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.
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At Centrepoint, Paul has been supported to work on his anger and cut down his alcohol intake. He has started a course in music technology and been supported by the bursary with a keyboard to help him with his course. He is hoping to eventually study music at university in the future.
Kidane fled Eritrea after his father was kidnapped and never seen again. Kidane made the dangerous journey to the UK, where he was supported by Centrepoint into training and independence.
Ari (21), who is non-binary, left home following a relationship breakdown with their parents. After staying with their aunt for a week, they reached out to their local council for support. Ari was referred on to Centrepoint in Bradford where they received mental health and employment support. Ari has since moved into independent accommodation and is looking forward to the future.
Lara was referred to Centrepoint aged 16 through social services. Since being with Centrepoint she has been supported with key decisions, education and mental health. She is now studying Law at Unversity and is helped financially during her studies through the Centrepoint Bursary Scheme.
When Jason became homeless during the pandemic, he called the Centrepoint Helpline who referred him into our Homelessness Prevention & Relief Service (HPRS) in. Once he had a roof over his head, Jason was able to find employment in a residential care home. Jason is now looking forward to going to university and finding a permanent home of his own.
Rich, 25, experienced three periods of homelessness since the age of 17. Despite the uncertainty and instability, he has kept on moving forward and he is now in an apprenticeship in London and living in one of Centrepoint’s Independent Living Properties.
Cameron has Auditory Processing Disorder but never let this stop him achieving his full potential. Despite the difficulties of pursuing a career in hospitality during a pandemic, Cameron kept busy and completed his relevant qualifications. Cameron’s hard work paid off and he achieved his dream job working as a chef. In 2021 he won the Centrepoint Career Progression Award.
Shante, 24, was referred to Centrepoint in August 2019 following the birth of her first daughter. She has won a 2021 Centrepoint Award for her unwavering commitment to her daughters and being a great role model to them and others.
When Danny first arrived at SLEAP (A Centrepoint partner organisation based in Lancashire), according to his own words "he did not exist". He had been rough sleeping for two years and he had no documents. Despite this difficult start, Daniel has turned his negative experiences into motivation to help others. He has won the 2021 Centrepoint Partner’s Inspiration Award.
After her parents were unable to care for her, Carrie entered the care system age six. A sexual assault in her early teens sent her spiralling, and she began dealing with the trauma through drugs and alcohol. Between the ages of 13 and 18, Carrie had 11 different foster placements. Today, Carrie lives in her own flat with her three-year-old daughter and receives floating support from Centrepoint. She has just started a degree in social work.
Ryan came to Centrepoint aged just 17 and stayed for three years before moving on. Whilst at Centrepoint, he received wrap-around support from a variety of teams within the organisation. Ryan is feeling more optimistic about his future and although he still has difficulties, he feels Centrepoint has equipped him with skills that he will use and value for life.
John and Maria* were supported by staff at one of Centrepoint's young parent's services to overcome some unhealthy habits. They have now moved into their own independent property, expecting their second child and looking forward to Christmas as a family in their new home.
