The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented risks to all, but those experiencing or at risk of homelessness are especially vulnerable. Charities like Centrepoint, Depaul UK and St Mungo’s which directly provide accommodation for people who are homeless are determined to do everything it takes to maintain the high level of service we deliver all year round, yet the sector needs vital support from the government to do this.
The UK's lockdown has been tough on everyone. But for vulnerable young people who are unable to self-isolate effectively, it could literally be the difference between life and death. Here's what we're doing to protect young homeless people - and what we'd like to see in the weeks to come.
Centrepoint’s Policy and Research Officer Billy Harding looks at why young people under 25 get a lower level of support through the benefits system and argues why this needs to change.
Vicky Nevin, Centrepoint’s Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer, reflects on the success of the Chance To Move On campaign. Ahead of the Spending Review, she calls for greater government investment to prevent youth homelessness.
Centrepoint responds to the Government’s call to help house rough sleepers. No one can be expected to return to the streets as the Government eases lockdown measures.
Centrepoint’s policy and research officer Billy Harding talks about our new research on the impacts of Coronavirus on youth homelessness in England.
Former Centrepoint resident Jade has been looking after her two small children since the pandemic took hold, whilst her partner works full time. No easy feat, by any means, but Jade's struggles are twofold: as a former addict in recovery, the effects of a country on lockdown has tested her strength to stay sober. Here, Jade tells us her lockdown story in her own words, detailing how she manages to stay strong when the temptation becomes almost too much.
As of Sunday 20 September, landlords will once again be able to evict tenants in England and Wales. If you find yourself with an eviction notice, there are measures you can take that could help with your situation.
This week Centrepoint sent our submission to the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review - which has since been cancelled in favour of a ‘winter economy plan’. However, this still gives charities like Centrepoint the opportunity to identify where we think money needs to be spent and policies need to be changed.
Last month, when the Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield said 16- and 17 year-olds in care should not be put in danger by their accommodation, you’d be hard pressed to find someone that disagreed. But to follow the Commissioner’s suggestion and ban unregulated accommodation would be to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Here's what needs to be done instead.
