This year sees the 50th anniversary of Centrepoint, who for the last half a century have been committed to tackling youth homelessness. And to mark the occasion, British music icons Duran Duran and global superstar Rita Ora will be performing at a special Gala, taking place at London’s historic performing arts venue, the Roundhouse, on 13 November.
Alongside these two supreme talents, stars lending their support on the night also include hosts James Nesbitt and Claudia Winkleman, the evening’s DJ Nick Grimshaw, and spoken word artist Hussain Manawer, who will perform with young people supported by Centrepoint. Debra Reuben will generously chair the evening.
With the support of its patron HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Centrepoint and its partner charities work with over 15,000 young people a year through its range of housing, employment and health services.
Seyi Obakin, Centrepoint’s CEO, said:
“In our 50th year we are highlighting the many successes of young people who, with the help of our dedicated staff, have been supported into a home and a job. But the reality is that there are still thousands of young people who still need our help.
“We are seeing a generation of young people who face greater challenges than their parents or grandparents did. It is vital that we ensure young people who find themselves without family support, or a safe place to live, still have the opportunity to go on and fulfil their potential and ambitions.”
On behalf of Duran Duran, Simon Le Bon explained why the band are supporting the cause at this year’s gala:
“Over the last half a century the number of young people sleeping rough, out on the streets of our towns and cities all year round, has doubled. These are some of the most at-risk individuals in the United Kingdom. This heartbreaking statistic demands our attention now. It is within our power to show our compassion, to exercise our care and to give them the knowledge that they have not been forgotten by the rest of us.
“We in Duran Duran are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Centrepoint on this special night celebrating the good and very necessary work they've undertaken for over 50 years to put an end to homelessness in the UK. It also serves to remind us all that there is much work to be done.”
And Rita Ora, who is from Notting Hill, added the experience feels very personal to her: “It means so much to me to be able to join Centrepoint, and the remarkable young people they support, on a special night at The Roundhouse. Growing up in London I’ve seen first-hand how homelessness can affect young people and just how it can turn someone’s life upside-down. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and it shouldn’t be happening to any young person, which is why I want to show that together we can change the story, end youth homelessness, and help young people to achieve their dreams.”
