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.
Katelin, 23, has recently started in her dream role as a midwife, which she has been working towards since the COVID lockdowns. After leaving her family home at 17 following a breakdown in the relationship, she moved into a hostel, where he created her five year plan. She then moved into a Centrepoint Independent Living home where she could make her dreams a reality.
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.
Momo, 20, found Centrepoint after a family breakdown left him in a precarious situation of rough sleeping and sofa surfing. With the support of the Rough Sleeper's Team, he's now settled into his new home and working towards his dream of one day owning a garage.
Lolo, 23, was referred to Centrepoint support by her social worker following a year of sofa surfing. She was struggling to find somewhere affordable and appropriate for her and her one-year-old and was just about to give birth to her second child. She is now settled into her new home with both of her children and is excited for them to grow together as a family.
Miss Lartey came to Centrepoint after a family breakdown and was supported by a few organisations to help her find a home and live an independent life. She is now a pillar of her local community, starting up her own charity called Naala’s House, which aims to empower communities, combat poverty and create sustainable and long-lasting change.
Chloe, 23, came to Centrepoint a year ago when her mum was taken to hospital after suffering a stroke. Following a family breakdown, Chloe sofa surfed with a cousin, until she was referred to Centrepoint for support. She's now about to start an apprenticeship with the local authority and looking to move into a place of her own.
This year, three young people supported by Centrepoint's Bradford services, have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. This story follows their experiences through the different stages of the award, and their journey with Centrepoint, as they move towards independence.
Dee was supported over a number of weeks by the Centrepoint Helpline who advocated on her behalf. A few months later, Dee is living in temporary accommodation in a studio flat, has been assessed as priority need and can start bidding on properties. This means that she is able to start “rebuilding her life.”
Chelsea and Jayden have come from the lowest points in their lives to looking forward to their first Christmas together in their own home. Not only did they find each other at Centrepoint, they have both been helped and supported to find the self-belief and confidence they need to live independent lives.
Harmony, 18, became homeless following a family breakdown and has been supported by Centrepoint for the past year. She is passionate about music and poetry and hopes to one day become a holistic therapist.
Tamsin Clements
Addi (22), who is neurodivergent, has been living at a Centrepoint service for eight months. He became homeless following a family breakdown. Now, he's preparing to move into his own place!
Tamsin Clements
Idan (23) grew up in an unstable household. A particularly traumatic event resulted in her becoming homeless and led her to moving into a Centrepoint service. Now in her own place, Idan has started a journey of healing and stability.
