Tom's story: Inspired by adventure
Tom was supported by Centrepoint after a long period of sofa surfing. He attended a activity camp through Centrepoint which has given him inspiration for his future.
We share the stories of those with lived experience of homelessness and those working to end it. Through these voices, we raise awareness, inform research and raise funds to support young people and to end youth homelessness.
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Tom was supported by Centrepoint after a long period of sofa surfing. He attended a activity camp through Centrepoint which has given him inspiration for his future.
Sharon became homeless after dropping out of university due to poor mental health. Six years later, she is in her third year of a new degree, working as a supported housing officer and volunteering for Centrepoint!
Munii, 23, lives in one of Centrepoint’s Independent Living properties and was supported by the Centrepoint Jobs, Employment and Training team into an apprenticeship. This is her story in her words.
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting so many of the young people we support, the majority of whom are on benefits, studying or on a very low income. For Carrie, who has a three-year-old daughter and has just finished her first year of university, food poverty is making things almost impossible.
At Centrepoint, Paul has been supported to work on his anger and cut down his alcohol intake. He has started a course in music technology and been supported by the bursary with a keyboard to help him with his course. He is hoping to eventually study music at university in the future.
Kidane fled Eritrea after his father was kidnapped and never seen again. Kidane made the dangerous journey to the UK, where he was supported by Centrepoint into training and independence.
Lara was referred to Centrepoint aged 16 through social services. Since being with Centrepoint she has been supported with key decisions, education and mental health. She is now studying Law at Unversity and is helped financially during her studies through the Centrepoint Bursary Scheme.
Ryan came to Centrepoint aged just 17 and stayed for three years before moving on. Whilst at Centrepoint, he received wrap-around support from a variety of teams within the organisation. Ryan is feeling more optimistic about his future and although he still has difficulties, he feels Centrepoint has equipped him with skills that he will use and value for life.
Dale’s Centrepoint journey has been long and multifaceted. It started when he was just 17. He is now 23, has graduated with a first class honours degree in Sociology and Criminology and has recently moved into one of our independent living properties.
Sisters Millie* (21) and Katie* (24) came to Centrepoint together during the pandemic. They have both been supported by the Centrepoint Bursary Scheme which has funded Millie’s beauty therapy course and Katie’s TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course.
Tania* was thrown out of her parents’ home after being subjected to verbal and emotional abuse. She sofa-surfed with a friend for a short period before being referred to Centrepoint, where she received the support she needed to move on to independence.
Jake became homeless after coming out as gay to his mum. After living in temporary accommodation for a number of months, Jake was referred to Centrepoint in December 2020 and has recently been supported by the Bursary Scheme to buy hairdressing equipment for his apprenticeship.