We welcome the release of a new report that highlights the growing issue of youth homelessness in the UK. The findings are concerning, with a 10% increase in the number of young people at risk of homelessness in 2023 to 2024 since the previous year.
The Centrepoint report, Hidden in Plain Site: Understanding Youth Homelessness in the UK, sheds light on the issues young people at risk of homelessness are experiencing or facing across the UK.
In the South East, we have second-highest number of young people affected by homelessness, making our work more needed than ever.
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What are we seeing at YMCA DownsLink Group?
Last year, we provided a home to 1,094 young people. We are the largest provider of accommodation for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We gave a safe place to call home to 11% of the total number (10,002) of young people facing homelessness in the South East of England. And we offer more than just a bed for someone in crisis. We equip young people with life skills and emotional support to enable them to thrive.
How many young people are facing homelessness?
Youth homelessness in the UK is growing. According to Centrepoint’s newest figures, 118,134 young people approached their local authority last year (2023 to 2024) for experiencing or being at risk of homelessness.
This number equates to one in 62 young people being at risk of homelessness.
While this number is shocking, it is likely to be an underrepresentation, with the real number being much higher. While Centrepoint’s report is robust, it doesn’t consider the hidden homeless, such as those who are sofa surfing.
In the Southeast of England, 10,002 young people approached their local authority presenting as homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Why are young people facing homelessness?
Young people can be experiencing or be at risk of homelessness for many reasons. The report highlights that, as seen in previous years, the leading cause of youth homelessness is that family or friends are no longer willing or able to accommodate them. Last year, 50% of the young people who approached their local authority said it was because of this reason.
Another rising issue is domestic abuse. Of those experiencing or at risk of youth homelessness last year, 10% (6,210 young people) were at risk due to domestic abuse.
Other reasons why young people might be facing homelessness include end of assured shorthold tenancy, being required to leave accommodation provided by Home Office as asylum support or being evicted from supported housing.
What are some of the issues young people experiencing homelessness are facing?
One thing this year’s report has highlighted is the role that gender is playing in how young people are experiencing homelessness and some of the issues that they face.
Last year, 54% (54,500 young people) of those who presented to their local authorities as experiencing or at risk of homelessness were women.
Young women with children often face additional barriers in securing safe and stable housing due to childcare responsibilities. The absence of crucial support networks for young parents experiencing homelessness significantly amplifies the risks and issues youth homelessness presents.
For young men, of those who presented as homeless, only 55% of them were provided with relief duty and 33% a prevention duty. This shows that young men are more likely to look for help once they’ve reached crisis point.
The way young men and women respond to youth homelessness is different, which points to a need of tailored support.
What recommendations did Centrepoint’s report make to help youth homelessness?
- The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government should increase oversight of local authorities’ implementation of the HRA to ensure best practices are followed and gaps in service are addressed, improving youth homelessness support.
- The government should include a youth-focused chapter in its cross-government strategy to end homelessness, addressing root causes and providing emergency housing, while fostering collaboration across housing, employment, education and welfare services.
- The government should provide ring-fenced funding for local authorities to support youth homelessness initiatives, ensuring resources are dedicated to implementing the HRA and supporting young people facing homelessness.
- The Homelessness Code of Guidance should be amended to clarify local authorities’ obligations during assessments, ensuring young people get the support they need by defining acceptable evidence and burden of proof.
- The government must commit to building 90,000 social rented homes annually, including 40,000 one-bedroom units, to provide affordable housing for vulnerable young people and address the specific needs of those who have lost family support.
If you would like to find out more about our housing support here.
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