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.
Zaid, 21, reached out to the Centrepoint Helpline after a family breakdown meant he had no where to stay. He reached out to the council, but due to ongoing issues with his settled status, they were unable to help him and referred him to Centrepoint for support. After working closely with the jobs and education team in Manchester, he is now renting is own space and is thriving as an IT analyst.
Hash, 22, came to the UK 5 years ago after moving from Pakistan. He was finding it hard to balance his university fees and paying for accommodation which left him at risk of homelessness. After speaking to a friend, he spoke to social services who referred him to Centrepoint. He is now living in his own home, where he loves cooking, working full-time and thinking about long-term career goals.
Seyfu, 24, came to Centrepoint three years ago after leaving Ethiopia as an asylum seeker. When he arrived in the UK, he was struck by how many people he saw running, and as a way to meet new people and create a sense of community, he decided to join his local club. After years of consistent training and competing nationally and internationally, Seyfu is currently preparing for the 2028 Olympics, where he will be representing Team GB in the marathon.
Holly, 20, came to Centrepoint almost a year ago with her three-year-old son following a breakdown in the relationship with her mum. She was moved into a mother and baby supported home where she has built a strong sense of community and has gotten involved with a range of different creative activities. She's now finishing her level 2 qualifications and will soon start a new role as a carer, before pursuing her dream career of being a prison officer.
Charlotte, 24, was referred to Centrepoint at 17 after she was made to leave the family home. Together with her key worker, they looked for different roles she might take on, but as COVID hit, she began to struggle with her mental health and took time out to find the right kind of support. After finding an online journalism course, she has been drawn towards this as a career, driven by her strong moral compass and a desire to tell truthful stories.
Samsom, 18, came to the UK in 2023 as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child, after he had to leave his home country of Eritrea. After living with his foster family until he was 16, he moved into a Centrepoint supported home. He's now thriving academically, having recently won Student of the Year at his college and being recognised through the Centrepoint Educational Excellence award.
Isaiah, 18, came to Centrepoint after his Special Guardianship Order (SGO) ended as he became a young adult. Since living with Centrepoint he's been developing his cooking abilities, growing his independent skills and has recently helped with planting a new garden at his supported home.
Jess was referred to Centrepoint when due to unforeseen circumstances, she had to leave her family home. She was denied support from the council and applied to Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme. After applying to the programme, she was quickly accepted and stayed at the rent-capped accommodation for two years. She recently bought her first home at auction and is excited to start making the place feel like her own.
Gill started volunteering 4 years ago after taking early retirement and looking for something that could give her a sense of purpose and direction. Whilst volunteering she's been involved in a variety of activities from coaching young people to supporting with ESOL and cheering on Centrepoint Marathon runners. We are so grateful for all of the support that Gill has given during her time as a volunteer and are excited for what comes next in her journey with Centrepoint.
NB, 23, came to Centrepoint after leaving the care system and moving in with her boyfriend. After falling pregnant with their first child, her home became an unsafe and unstable environment for her and her new born and she was referred to Centrepoint. She's now thriving with her two children and getting ready to move onto their own home in the near 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.
Aman, 25, came to UK as a refugee from Eritrea and after receiving his status was forced to rough sleep. He was supported by the Rough Sleeper's Team in Manchester who found him a place in a supported accommodation and the Jobs and Education Team who helped him into a new job.
