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.
Jahzyah, 20, moved to a Centrepoint home two years ago after being in and out of the care system from the age of four. He’s recently been accepted into the Identity School of Acting and is currently waiting for to hear from the council about moving into his own home.
Kingsley and Cornelius took part in a four-week work placement with award-winning ground maintenance provider, Idverde to help develop their skills and confidence. Our training team helped to support them with developing functional skills, employability advice and taking that next step into the working world.
Dee was supported over a number of weeks by the Centrepoint Helpline who advocated on her behalf. A few months later, Dee is living in temporary accommodation in a studio flat, has been assessed as priority need and can start bidding on properties. This means that she is able to start “rebuilding her life.”
Annie, or Jae as they were known to their friends, came to Centrepoint after experiencing family difficulties. Despite a sometimes-strained relationship, Annie and their family remained close. Annie tragically passed away just a week before their 21st birthday due to complications from hypothyroidism, a condition they were diagnosed with as a teenager.
Sam, 21, became homeless following a family breakdown and struggles with his mental health. Centrepoint supported Sam to begin living a more independent life and start rebuilding his relationship with his family.
Chelsea and Jayden have come from the lowest points in their lives to looking forward to their first Christmas together in their own home. Not only did they find each other at Centrepoint, they have both been helped and supported to find the self-belief and confidence they need to live independent lives.
Ceiran, 19, was referred to Centrepoint after leaving care at age 18. He has been supported by our Centrepoint Works team with interview practice and through the Centrepoint Bursary so that he could complete the application process to become a Police Community and Support Officer with the London MET Police.
Harmony, 18, became homeless following a family breakdown and has been supported by Centrepoint for the past year. She is passionate about music and poetry and hopes to one day become a holistic therapist.
When Tara (20) was 18, she fell pregnant with her first child and had to leave home and was referred into one of Centrepoint’s services for young parents. Despite financial struggles and adjusting to the big changes of becoming a mother, two years on, Tara and her son are doing well and living independently.
David Monteith Hodge
Eli, 20, became homeless following a family breakdown and slept rough for a short time before requesting a referral to Centrepoint. Since then, he has been supported by the CP Works team and the Centrepoint bursary to support his catering and hospitality apprenticeship. He hopes one day to open his own restaurant.
David Monteith Hodge
Cassie was referred to Centrepoint at 17 after a bereavement triggered a family breakdown and she became homeless. Four years later, Cassie has completed her degree in Fine Art and a PGCE and has just qualified as an art teacher.
Lisa, 21, came to the UK from Vietnam aged 12 and became a resident at Centrepoint after leaving care at 18. She moved on from Centrepoint when she started university and throughout her degree she was supported financially through the Centrepoint Bursary. She has recently graduated with a first class honours.
