21 April 2021

Homeless charity warns calls from young people up a third in past year

Homeless charity warns calls from young people up a third in past year image

Vulnerable young people have struggled to access the support they need in the past year, a charity has warned in a new report.

The report, published by Centrepoint, examines the impact the past year has had on youth unemployment, homelessness, poverty and mental health.

It reveals that calls to its Helpline increased by a third since March 2020, with a rising number of young people sleeping rough at the time of their call.

Helpline staff reported that young people have faced significant barriers when making formal homelessness applications. This includes being told to sleep outside by their local authority so outreach teams can verify they are homeless before being offered support.

The report also highlights the number of young people needing access to Centrepoint’s emergency food support increased by 276% in the past year. Its in-house mental health team also reported a 40% increase in demand for mental health services.

In a blog, Emily Cretch deputy service manager at Centrepoint, wrote: ‘While there is a light at the end of the tunnel, the last year has taught us the fragility of life and the importance of supporting those who are more vulnerable than we are.

’It is essential that the Government ring-fences funding for youth specific accommodation and services to give our young people a fighting chance of having a job and a home as they move on into adult life.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner