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All I want for Christmas: 'found families' make the festive period worth celebrating

Dale Taylor-Gentles, Former Centrepoint Resident

Dale Taylor-Gentles became a carer for his grandmother aged 12 and homeless at just 16. He was eventually placed in a Centrepoint residence, where he worked hard with his mentor to gain a place at university.  Here, he tells us why Christmas can often feel like the loneliest time of year for young people without a stable family structure, and how his 'Found Family' meant he could look forward to the holidays once again.

Young, black and homeless: observations from Centrepoint’s front line

Pooja Singh, Digital Campaigns and Mobilisation Officer

More than 50% of the young people Centrepoint supports come from a Black, Asian and ethnic minority background. As such, our hope this Black History Month is to initiate conversations that will help foster a fully inclusive culture at Centrepoint. Here, Digital Campaigns and Mobilisation Officer, Pooja Singh, sheds light on the challenges of being young, Black and homeless, from the perspectives of Centrepoint’s frontline staff.

Centrepoint’s legal team help young people get the justice they deserve

Nabila Mirza, Legal Administrator/Youth Network Coordinator

Our legal team make up a vital part of the service we offer young people at Centrepoint. For those seeking legal support, it can be incredibly difficult to attain without financial aid, and so many often go without. Centrepoint is here to help change that. Nabila, a legal administrator coming to the end of a secondment with the Legal Team, tells us about what she has learnt during her time with the department and the important service they provide.

Homeless teen to Olympic hero: Jade Johnson’s message of hope

Jade Johnson, Former Centrepoint Resident

Most people know Jade Johnson as an Olympic track and field athlete; many may recognise her from her high-scoring Foxtrot on Strictly Come Dancing. But before Jade made it big, she spent a brief period as a homeless young person at 17. Here she tells us about her experience – and how it’s made her a stronger person.