The Youth Chapter Collective of over 140 youth, homelessness and housing association organisations have come together to urge the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to support our campaign to Make Work Pay.
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.
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.
Seyfu, 24, came to Centrepoint three years ago after leaving his home country of Ethiopia as an asylum seeker. When he arrived in the UK, he was struck by the number of people running and as he didn't know anyone, he decided to join a club to create a sense of community. After consistently showing up and training, Seyfu is currently preparing for the 2028 Olympics, where he will be representing Team GB in the marathon.
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.
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.
