Today sees the London mayoral elections take place once again, but this year will be different from the others: in the wake of a pandemic that has devastated the lives of many all over the country, there is much to rebuild. All candidates have vowed to improve London over the next four years – but who will make a difference to the lives of homeless young people?
Ziggy had a difficult journey before he found support from Centrepoint. He fell in with a bad crowd and was rough sleeping. Seven years since leaving services, Ziggy, now 29, got in touch with us wanting to share his story in his own words.
Sunday 10 October 2021 marks the 11th World Homeless Day, originally established to recognise those working to end homelessness across the world. Since its inception in 2010, the day has represented the need to raise awareness of homelessness, support those who experience it, and fight for their futures.
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.
On the 9 and 10 October Centrepoint’s corporate partner, Dazed, invited its audiences to come behind the scenes at its HQ at 180 The Strand in London for DAZED LIVE, to mark their 30th anniversary. The two-day festival, aimed at 16- to 25-year-olds, focused on making and showcasing music, art, fashion, activism and more, all in aid of Centrepoint.
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.
Centrepoint’s goal is to help vulnerable young people become independent enough to live a good life that they can thrive in. And we are open to all homeless young people, regardless of their geographical circumstances. Whether they’ve been kicked out of their family home in London or have travelled to the UK as an unaccompanied minor, we’re here to help.
Our research estimates nearly 122,000 young people asked for help from their local council in 2020-21 because they were homeless or at risk. Dan Poursaeedi, Centrepoint's Senior Policy, Research and Databank Officer, explains the findings of the recent Youth Homelessness Databank report for 2020-2021.
Our partnership with The Co-Operative Bank has been a long and fruitful one. And this month we have a lot to celebrate, as they prepare to hit a huge milestone in their fundraising efforts for Centrepoint. Read here more about our partnership and all the fantastic ways they have supported us to reach such an incredible fundraising achievement.
A recent UK parliament report has found that inflation could reach its highest level recorded since 1992. With wages not growing nearly as fast, the chasm between earnings and the cost of living is growing at a seismic rate, leaving thousands to increasingly cut costs to keep themselves afloat. This is a nationwide crisis: it affects us all, but certainly touches some more than others. So, how can you help the homeless if you don’t have the resources to donate your own money?
