Real stories

Aimee was the first apprentice recruited through the Centrepoint Apprenticeship Academy, which offers work opportunities to those with lived experience of homelessness.

TJ was supported by the Centrepoint Bursary to complete a professional football scouting qualification. He is now working as a scout for a London Football Club, something he says would not have been possible without that financial support from Centrepoint.

Following a family breakdown at 18, Kyle ended up on the streets. With support from Centrepoint, Kyle is now in his own permanent accommodation, has put drugs behind him and is on the path to securing stable employment.

Kyla sought help from Centrepoint in 2018 when she was at breaking point after her baby son was adopted. The team in Manchester supported her with drug and alcohol counselling, mental health support and securing housing and benefits. Four years later, Kyla is in her own home, in the second year of university and teetotal. Here is her story in her own words.

Tom was supported by Centrepoint after a long period of sofa surfing. He attended an activity camp through Centrepoint which has given him inspiration for his future.

Frankie experienced homelessness and unstable living conditions throughout the Pandemic. With Centrepoint’s support, Frankie is now in stable accommodation, but facing challenges in being recognised as a Trans person when it comes to housing. Although, he is feeling more settled, he is concerned about what new challenges young vulnerable people will face in a cost-of-living crisis.

Emily, 21, was referred to Centrepoint after calling the Centrepoint Helpline following a family breakdown. She has been placed in a shared house with other young woman and is hoping to return to education once her mental health feels more stable. She has a keen interest in psychology and hopes one day to become a forensic psychologist.

Munii, 23, lives in one of Centrepoint’s Independent Living properties and was supported by the Centrepoint Jobs, Employment and Training team into an apprenticeship. This is her story in her words.

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.

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.