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.
Umar, 23, has just finished his tenure with Centrepoint’s first Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB), where he has dedicated his time, energy and background to ensuring that vital decision making around Centrepoint, and the sector more widely, is based on the voices of young people. He has taken the time recently to reflect on his time with the LEAB and his journey to, with and from Centrepoint.
Amy, 19, came to Centrepoint at 17 following challenges in the relationship with her mother and due to safety concerns in her local area. After working with the education trainer to complete her GCSEs and with the jobs advisor to map her career goals, she is currently working in her local council in a respite service.
Aisha, 21, came to Centrepoint following a trauma within her family which meant she was forced to leave her home. After being placed in a hotel temporarily, she was moved to a Centrepoint supported home where she has been developing her confidence and independent living skills. She has recently been a part of the Duke of Edinburgh team creating a short film called 'Monster' and is preparing to shortly move into her own home.
Brian, 19, came to Centrepoint following a family breakdown which meant he had to leave the family home. He reached out to the council for emergency housing, however after they said he was not a priority he called the Centrepoint Helpline for support. They were able to identify a Centrepoint supported home in this area and before long he moved in. After working closely with his key worker and the jobs and education team, he is now working full-time and finishing his qualifications to help him take the next steps.
Thad came to Centrepoint after their landlord evicted them and their sister due to the property needing renovation. After living in a supported home for a few years, they've been able to grow their interest in film and media, recently making a short film titled "Monster" as part of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Ged, a retired teacher, began volunteering with Centrepoint six years ago, after he was inspired by his students who were supporting those experiencing homelessness in the local community. He's now been volunteering at a young parent's service for 6 years, where he was recently recognised for his work through Room to Reward.
Kai, 29, has been working with and being supported by Centrepoint on and off since he turned 18 and was moved into an Independent Living Property. He is currently a member of Centrepoint’s Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) and is now living in his own flat, working full-time in security with a passion for all things Pokémon Go and ice hockey. He's taken the time recently to reflect on his journey and share some of his experiences to, with and beyond Centrepoint.
Cameron, 23, first came to Centrepoint at 17 following a breakdown in the relationship with his family. After being supported on and off by his key work team, he is now living independently in his own flat, working as a chef and studying at culinary college. He was recognised for his drive and determination in 2021, when he won the Centrepoint Career and Progression Award.
Aryan called the Centrepoint Helpline after he had begun rough sleeping when he was no longer able to stay in the family home. He reached out to the local council for support, but was told by them that he was not a priority. Not knowing where else to turn, he called the Centrepoint Helpline who were able to refer him to a local support centre.
Adam, 20, had to leave his family home due to a breakdown in the relationship with his parents as a teenager, and after finding it hard to get appropriate housing, moved into an unsuitable and unstable flat with a friend. After he was no longer able to stay there, he began sofa surfing and eventually confided in a colleague who helped him into Centrepoint's Independent Living Programme. Adam is now thriving in his marketing role and is a devoted member of Centrepoint's Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB).
Naihum, 27, moved into a Centrepoint Independent Living Property when he found on his teacher's salary that he couldn't find anywhere suitable for him to move to. A family friend had heard about the programme and he quickly made an application which was accepted and before long he moved into his new home. After living in his flat for a few years, he feels he has had the space he needed to develop independent living skills he can take with him when he's ready to move on.
Morgan, 27, first came to Centrepoint after he was unable to stay at university due to his neurodivergence, resulting in a breakdown in family relationships. After sofa surfing and sleeping rough, he was referred to Centrepoint where he stayed in a supported home for a few years, getting the opportunity to grow his interest in taking co-design approaches and working collaboratively with different teams. He is currently a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) and has a dream of one day working for Centrepoint and giving back to the organisation that supported him.
