Our snow globe installation brings to life the harsh reality of young people struggling to cope with the loss of their home, safety, and security.
According to our latest figures, one young person faces homelessness every four minutes, and more than one young person a day gets in touch with our Helpline because they’ve been wrongly refused support from their local council.
We unveiled our giant Christmas ‘snow globe’ on London’s Southbank to raise public awareness of this tragedy facing young people today and to tell the story of Mars, a 19-year-old who became homeless after a family breakdown.
The art installation, created by illustrator Fernando Cobelo, contrasts the usual jolly festive scenes to instead highlight feelings of fear, loneliness and being forgotten that homeless young people may face. It explores Mars’ journey of homelessness and struggling to cope, to thriving and regaining hope for the future after they received support from Centrepoint.
Mars’ experience
Mars was forced to leave home because their family couldn’t accept their identity and struggles with mental health.
“Before I left home, I felt suffocated and would not have survived if I stayed. I was lucky to have friends though who made me realise what it felt like to be supported and understood. I realised things could be different and was able to take the next step by reaching out to Centrepoint for support.
“I felt so relieved after speaking to the Centrepoint Helpline advisor – they explained my rights and what I needed to tell the council. I can’t tell you how it felt to eventually move into Centrepoint accommodation and have my own space, where I was safe and could finally be myself.
“When I step into my room, I feel like I am home. I feel calm and happy. There isn’t a single thing that the staff at Centrepoint haven't done for me, and I am eternally grateful. I can feel myself growing as a person."
25% of homeless young people surveyed by Centrepoint said they never felt cared for during Christmas before coming to Centrepoint and 20% said they had never felt safe at Christmas until they found support from the charity.
If you believe every young person deserves to feel safe and have a warm place to stay this Christmas, give them a life-changing gift by donating today. Your gift will not only pay for a warm, safe room for up to a year, but it will also go towards providing vital support they may have never been given before.
