This scoping review sets out the case for why ending youth homelessness needs to be a public and political priority. It pulls together key information on the scale, causes and impacts of youth homelessness on young people themselves and wider society.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been unprecedented. Since the UK went into its first lockdown in March 2020, the Government has channelled funding of over £700 million to help prevent homelessness and provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers as part of the Everyone In scheme.
If you’re in England and aged 16 to 25, talk to the Helpline at Centrepoint to get advice on your housing situation and rights.
David Monteith Hodge
Aimee, 18, is a young rapper with cerebral palsy. She became homeless in the middle of winter following a family breakdown. She was placed in a homeless hostel before being referred to Centrepoint where she has been given a self-contained flat and supported to develop independent living skills and advocate for herself. She recently won a Centrepoint 2024 Award presented to her, by Centrepoint's Patron, Prince William.
For the past five decades Centrepoint has supported homeless young people to turn their lives around. In 2019, no young person should find themselves homeless yet we are supporting more young people than ever through our accommodation services and national Helpline.
The Centrepoint Youth Homelessness Databank significantly increases the information that is publicly accessible on youth homelessness by collecting council level data to build a more informed national understanding of the problem. This report presents an analysis of data collected by local authorities in 2018/19, which was the first year of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA).
The research reveals how young people across the country are faced with shocking conditions and are forced to make impossible choices. It shows the impact of not having a stable place to call home on a young person’s mental and physical health, on their ability to succeed in education and employment, and on their relationships with family and friends. It shows the risks and physical dangers that young people going through homelessness face every day and every night without safe accommodation - and why it is so important that we campaign for change
The Centrepoint Bursary has made such a difference to Katy* throughout her carpentry course. It has provided funding for clothing, carpentry tools as well as travel to college and construction sites which has made it possible for Katy not only to access, but also sustain her training. She is hopes to go on to work in construction management.
Lewis received floating support from Centrepoint after he moved into his council flat at 18 after sofa-surfing for three years. Centrepoint supported him in managing and maintaining his tenancy and with financial support through the Centrepoint Bursary which he will receive throughout his three-year degree in Criminology. Lewis hope to join the police after he graduates.
Georges became homeless in 2016 and was referred to Centrepoint through social services. He originally shared his story back in 2018, but five years after leaving Centrepoint, we spoke with Georges again to share his experiences and learnings.
