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In Her Shoes: young women’s experiences of homelessness

Frankiebo Taylor

This scoping report explores the homelessness and housing experiences of young women, using in-depth qualitative interviews with young women and key stakeholders, analysis of Centrepoint’s Youth Homelessness Databank for 2021/22, and a review of existing research data relating to women’s experiences of homelessness. In doing this the report reflects the challenges faced by this cohort in attempting to move on from homelessness and lead meaningful lives.

Research / Policy

Families under pressure: preventing family breakdown and youth homelessness

Abigail Gill

Our research looks at the key reasons why relationships breakdown and the kinds of pressures faced by families.

Preventing youth homelessness: what works?

The provision of effective interventions for young people at risk of homelessness is essential if youth homelessness is to be reduced and prevented. This review brings together and examines evidence on a range of interventions which aim to prevent youth homelessness.

Left out: Centrepoint COVID and rough sleeping report

This research report explores the growing number of young people sleeping rough during the pandemic and evaluates the support that is available to them.

Locked Out: youth homelessness during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

This report highlights the state of youth homelessness during and beyond the pandemic and is based on a survey of English councils, analysis of Centrepoint’s Helpline data, and interviews with local authority and Centrepoint staff.

The mental health needs of homeless young people

Among the general youth population, rates of poor mental health issues are worryingly high. These rates are even higher for young people experiencing homelessness. This research report explored the full extent of the problem and investigated the prevalence of a range of mental health problems, including those that have not been formally diagnosed by mainstream health services.

Oxera report

As part of a Centrepoint research project looking at how homeless young people access the social security system, Oxera were commissioned to provide a backward-looking assessment of the impact that the social security system has had on young people under the age of 25 (under 25s) between 1988 and 2020. In light of this, Oxera also undertook a forward-looking cost–benefit analysis (CBA) to analyse the impact of six different policy recommendations provided by Centrepoint regarding the social security system in the UK.

Benefits to society: homeless young people’s experiences of the social security system

The social security system is a vital lifeline for thousands of young people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage across the UK. However, this peer-led research project into the benefits system finds that in many areas, the system is falling short of providing the support and resources that young people need.

Housing First for Care Leavers: Evaluation of the Initial Two Years of Haringey Housing First

In 2019, the London Borough of Haringey commissioned Centrepoint to establish and deliver a two year Housing First for Care Leavers pilot project. The University of York was commissioned by Centrepoint to undertake an independent evaluation of the early stage of the project. Through this, the evaluation found that housing first can act as an important means through which care leavers sustain tenancies and lead meaningful lives.

Beyond a Number: the scale of youth homelessness in the UK

To end youth homelessness, we need to know how many people experience homelessness and what happens to them when they seek help. Our Youth Homelessness Databank brings together all the information available to build the clearest picture possible, and estimates that 122,000 young people in the United Kingdom approached their council for help during the financial year 2020/21.