Latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on the estimated number of homeless deaths across England and Wales in 2021, finds that 31 people aged 16 to 24 died in 2021 compared with 19 in 2020 and 22 in 2019.
Of those that died in 2021, 13 are recorded as being aged 16 to 19 and 18 are recorded as being aged 20 to 24.
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Most homeless young people who died in 2021 were men, the records show, with just five female deaths reported.
Overall, 741 deaths of homeless people are estimated to have happened last year, with almost two in five related to drug poisoning in 2021.
Suicide was recorded in 99 cases, while 26 deaths of homeless people involving Covid-19 were registered in 2021, twice the number estimated in 2020.
Responding to the statistics, Balbir Kaur Chatrik, director of policy at youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, said: “Any death as a result of homelessness is unacceptable. But there is something especially heart-breaking to hear that the number of deaths among young people has increased.
“These young people had so much of their lives ahead of them, they deserve more – they deserve a chance to turn their lives around, but they can’t do this if the right support isn’t there.
“We saw what political will could do to reduce rough sleeping during the pandemic, but sadly this level of focus and investment has been discarded during this latest crisis.
“We need more investment into services that tackle the root causes of rough sleeping and more support for those trying to escape homelessness. Ultimately, this is not just about money, but about having a long-term strategy that ensures people can get the safe and stable home they deserve and no one has to risk their life sleeping on the streets.”
The figures come days after Centrepoint launched their Christmas campaign #NotComingHome.
Nearly 30,000 young people are #NotComingHome this winter, because they don’t have a home to go to.
— Centrepoint (@centrepointuk) November 16, 2022
Everyone deserves the chance to turn their life around, so please donate if you can. 🧡⚽
The charity predicts almost 30,000 young people will face homelessness this winter, citing research which finds that two in five UK adults aged 18-34 have worried about being able to keep a roof over their heads in the last 12 months
The campaign sees footballers John Stones, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Beth Mead, as well as ex-players and pundits Sir Geoff Hurst and Micah Richards highlight the figures in a powerful film designed to bring homelessness to the forefront of people’s minds as the public celebrates Christmas and the World Cup.
Centrepoint has also reported an increase in calls to its Helpline in the last 12 months, driven by various factors including the soaring cost of living.
