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.
Ceiran, 19, was referred to Centrepoint after leaving care at age 18. He has been supported by our Centrepoint Works team with interview practice and through the Centrepoint Bursary so that he could complete the application process to become a Police Community and Support Officer with the London MET Police.
When Tara (20) was 18, she fell pregnant with her first child and had to leave home and was referred into one of Centrepoint’s services for young parents. Despite financial struggles and adjusting to the big changes of becoming a mother, two years on, Tara and her son are doing well and living independently.
Sanya became homeless at 18 after a bereavement triggered a family breakdown. She lived with relatives for a short period before presenting as homeless to her local council and eventually being referred to Centrepoint where she has received holistic support in a number of areas. Three years later, she is in her own home and recently graduated with a first class honours.
In 2022, Naira (26) became homeless after escaping an abusive marriage. Centrepoint supported Naira into a home and employment . Over a year later, she is still in employment with Pret and thriving.
Nadine (19) was in care for two and half years before returning to her mum's, but living together placed further strain on the relationship and she decided to move into semi-independent living. She received help from Centrepoint Works with key employability skills and has secured an apprenticeship with the organisation.
Layla became homeless at 18. She called the Centrepoint Helpline who were able to arrange an assessment with the Homeless Prevention and Relief Service (HPRS) in Manchester. She is now living in a self-contained flat and supported by Centrepoint’s Floating Support Team.
Amelia was just 16 when she became a mother and moved into our young parent’s service. She was supported with benefits, budgeting, education – vital tools in a cost-of-living crisis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
