Reducing stigma can prevent youth homelessness, says charity

Research by Depaul UK found young people in housing crisis often avoid admitting they are “homeless” because of the negative connotations it has. This can lead to them moving into potentially harmful living arrangements - such as on friend's sofas and in multi-occupancy housing - that can put their safety at risk, it says.

In its Danger Zones and Stepping Stones report, the charity calls for better education for young people about what constitutes homelessness, the risks it poses and the support that is available to them.??

“More must be done if young people are going to feel more comfortable asking for help when they find themselves without safe and stable accommodation,” the report says.?

“This should involve awareness-raising activities targeted at young audiences, perhaps schools, colleges and universities, particularly in areas where there are high levels of socio-economic deprivation or homelessness.”??

In addition, the charity has also called on policymakers and commissioners to increase the amount of preventative services, emergency accommodation and temporary living hosts to support young people.??

It also wants them to ensure there is sufficient “young person specific accommodation” to avoid young people being exposed to negative influences such as alcohol and drugs. ??

The report's recommendations are drawn from an in-depth study of 18 young people, between the age of 16 and 23, who have experienced temporary living? and “sofa surfing”.??

The charity also recommended youth services use a new model of working that can improve the identification of young people in urgent need of support.??

“No young person should have to stay in an unsafe place,” said Depaul UK chief executive Martin Houghton-Brown. “We have developed the Danger Zones and Stepping Stones Model to help identify where the dangers lie, and the stepping stones to getting young people out of homelessness.”??

Homelessness minister Marcus Jones has welcomed the report. He said: "We will take its findings on board and participate in the public debate about sofa surfing and hidden homelessness. I believe that together we can find solutions for young people who fall into homelessness.”