A young person being supported by Centrepoint in London, has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling on the Government not to forget about young people and all those who are struggling, and to provide the support people need during the cost-of-living crisis.
Dear Prime Minister,
I am a young person living in London. I’ve been through homelessness, I’ve been in the care system, and I know what it’s like to go through hard times.
You promised to help people that are struggling. You need to help the population, and to provide people with opportunities like good housing and good jobs. If not, we won’t be able to break the cycle.
It’s time to really focus on the cost of living. It’s not just about the politics and the politicians – you need to be helping communities, and the people who need help most. People need help with their mental health, and with their finances so they can pay the bills and make ends meet.
We have all seen an increase in homelessness across Great Britain. The Government needs to build hostels and give support to help people get back on their feet. It feels like politicians only care about the rich, and more needs to be done for people who are struggling.
If I was Prime Minister, I would help people with their rent, gas and electric. That would make a real difference and help people to succeed. I would also be building houses for homeless people, including young people like me who were homeless aged 17 and 18. These issues are why so many people are struggling with their mental health.
What’s happening in Ukraine and Russia has caused a massive increase in energy bills. The support has definitely helped, but my energy bills have still basically doubled and will go up again next year. It’s been a struggle – I’ve had to apply for advances and get help with food vouchers, even with careful budgeting.
Young people, adults and the homeless just need more financial help. The Government also needs to keep its promise and make sure that benefits increase with inflation.
My support worker has helped me to progress so much in the last two and a half years. With his help, I’ve been able to pay my bills on time and generally be more on point. When I first moved in to where I am, it was a struggle to keep on top of bills but now things have changed. It’s helped me build my confidence and I feel like more of an adult. Charities like Centrepoint can really help people and that help is more important now than ever.
My key message to the Prime Minister is: be on top of your game and help the people, those who are homeless and all those who are struggling. Help them to get work and places to live. Help change the system and environment for people growing up – I have been through it and I can tell you that it is not easy.
I know that the Government will say they are doing all they can but it is not the time for excuses. We do not want to be fobbed off with words – we need to see action, to help end homelessness and give people a fair chance to succeed.
Yours sincerely,
Marcus