Kyla sought help from Centrepoint in 2018 when she was at breaking point after her baby son was adopted. The team in Manchester supported her with drug and alcohol counselling, mental health support and securing housing and benefits. Four years later, Kyla is in her own home, in the second year of university and teetotal. Here is her story in her own words.
Frankie experienced homelessness and unstable living conditions throughout the Pandemic. With Centrepoint’s support, Frankie is now in stable accommodation, but facing challenges in being recognised as a Trans person when it comes to housing. Although, he is feeling more settled, he is concerned about what new challenges young vulnerable people will face in a cost-of-living crisis.
Emily, 21, was referred to Centrepoint after calling the Centrepoint Helpline following a family breakdown. She has been placed in a shared house with other young woman and is hoping to return to education once her mental health feels more stable. She has a keen interest in psychology and hopes one day to become a forensic psychologist.
When Jason became homeless during the pandemic, he called the Centrepoint Helpline who referred him into our Homelessness Prevention & Relief Service (HPRS) in. Once he had a roof over his head, Jason was able to find employment in a residential care home. Jason is now looking forward to going to university and finding a permanent home of his own.
Rich, 25, experienced three periods of homelessness since the age of 17. Despite the uncertainty and instability, he has kept on moving forward and he is now in an apprenticeship in London and living in one of Centrepoint’s Independent Living Properties.
Shante, 24, was referred to Centrepoint in August 2019 following the birth of her first daughter. She has won a 2021 Centrepoint Award for her unwavering commitment to her daughters and being a great role model to them and others.
Our research estimates that 129,000 young people approached their council because they were homeless or at risk in the financial year 2021/2022.
More than 46,000 young women presented to their local authority as they were homeless or at risk of homelessness last year. We know the main drivers for homelessness can be different for women, as are their experiences of support. Our Policy and Research Assistant talks us through her findings of our latest report.
As Prince William celebrates his 40th birthday, we wanted to reflect on his time as our Patron and the amazing things he’s done to support homeless young people.
This episode asks what does homelessness mean for women? How do we empower survivors of domestic abuse? And what needs to be done to support and secure young women’s futures?
