Why has Centrepoint done this? Centrepoint has been developing an early intervention programme that could help prevent homelessness among young people. This research is designed to help shape further development of such work.
So what precisely did it try to find out? The idea was to talk mainly to young people, but also to parents and practitioners, and find out how they view the concept of home and homelessness, and their expectations when it comes to leaving home.
So how do young people define home? In the main, as a place where you're safe, loved and wanted. So most young people felt you weren't homeless if you were in a place you were wanted, even if you were on a floor or sofa. Similarly, people on the streets were not necessarily homeless if they had a home elsewhere but were "choosing" not to go there, maybe because of drink and drugs. Centrepoint is concerned that young people have a restricted view of homelessness and so might not recognise themselves as homeless or engage with relevant services.
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