We share the stories of those with lived experience of homelessness and those working to end it. Through these voices, we raise awareness, inform research and raise funds to support young people and to end youth homelessness.
Danny, 19, arrived in the UK as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking minor in 2024 after leaving his home country of Sudan. After being placed in foster care until the age of 18, he was moved into a Centrepoint supported home, where he has been living for just under a year. He's now in college studying for his ESOL and functional skills qualifications and dreams of pursuing his passion for carpentry in the future.
Mustafa, 22, came to the UK under humanitarian protection in 2021 and was moved into care. When he turned 18, he had to leave his home and struggled to find accommodation through the council. He reached out to the Centrepoint Helpline, explained his situation and after a few months was moved into a Centrepoint supported home. Since then, he has been attending college and is beginning to look for jobs to support him as he begins to move into a home of this own.
Emma, 17, came to Centrepoint after experiencing a breakdown in the relationship with her mum, which meant she had to leave the family home. She began sofa surfing, moving between family and friends, and occasionally spending nights on buses. Her social worker became aware of her living situation and made a referral to Centrepoint and soon she was moved into her own flat within a supported home. Despite only being at the home for a few weeks, Emma has settled in well to her new space is already taking strides towards finding a job and becoming independent in the future.
Shane, 25, has been supported by Centrepoint's Housing First team for three years after he was referred when he moved into a home of his own. Together they have been taking steps for Shane to live completely independently, supporting him with budgeting skills, emotional and mental health care and helping him find a role what works for him.
Daniella, 21, came to Centrepoint after she had to leave her previous supported accommodation. After 5 months and working closely with her support team, she's now moved into her own flat with her partner and is studying for a career in childcare.
Edward, 23, came to the UK in 2019 as a refugee from Ethiopia and was supported by his local authority until he was ready to move into a semi-independent supported home with Centrepoint. He's now working closely with the jobs and education team and is excited to find a role that keeps him interested and engaged for the future
Mubarak, 21, arrived in the UK in 2021 under humanitarian protection after fleeing Sudan as an unaccompanied minor. After living in care for a few years, he was moved to a Centrepoint semi-independent home when he was at risk of homelessness. He's been working closely with the jobs and education team to help him get the necessary qualifications he needs to achieve his dream of being a barber.
Hash, 22, came to the UK 5 years ago after moving from Pakistan. He was finding it hard to balance his university fees and paying for accommodation which left him at risk of homelessness. After speaking to a friend, he spoke to social services who referred him to Centrepoint. He is now living in his own home, where he loves cooking, working full-time and thinking about long-term career goals.
Seyfu, 24, came to Centrepoint three years ago after leaving Ethiopia as an asylum seeker. When he arrived in the UK, he was struck by how many people he saw running, and as a way to meet new people and create a sense of community, he decided to join his local club. After years of consistent training and competing nationally and internationally, Seyfu is currently preparing for the 2028 Olympics, where he will be representing Team GB in the marathon.
Holly, 20, came to Centrepoint almost a year ago with her three-year-old son following a breakdown in the relationship with her mum. She was moved into a mother and baby supported home where she has built a strong sense of community and has gotten involved with a range of different creative activities. She's now finishing her level 2 qualifications and will soon start a new role as a carer, before pursuing her dream career of being a prison officer.
Charlotte, 24, was referred to Centrepoint at 17 after she was made to leave the family home. Together with her key worker, they looked for different roles she might take on, but as COVID hit, she began to struggle with her mental health and took time out to find the right kind of support. After finding an online journalism course, she has been drawn towards this as a career, driven by her strong moral compass and a desire to tell truthful stories.
Samsom, 18, came to the UK in 2023 as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child, after he had to leave his home country of Eritrea. After living with his foster family until he was 16, he moved into a Centrepoint supported home. He's now thriving academically, having recently won Student of the Year at his college and being recognised through the Centrepoint Educational Excellence award.
