CYP Now - Government must focus on holistic housing support for young people, expert urges

A lack of well-rounded support for young people who are homeless is forcing charities to plug gaps in providing mental health support and financial advice services, a Centrepoint housing officer, who was previously supported by the organisation, has warned.

Centrepoint offers holistic support for young people. Picture: Centrepoint

Sharon was 20 when she became homeless after dropping out of university because of mental health struggles.

She told CYP Now that there was “no way” that she could move back to her family home because of concerns stemming from overcrowding and abuse.

She was told by her local authority that she did not meet the requirements for social housing and was encouraged to rent privately which she could not afford to do.

After spending a year on her sister’s sofa, she tried again and was this time able to secure social housing as well as a referral to Centrepoint.

Sharon lived in accommodation provided by youth homelessness charity Centrepoint for nine months before moving into her own flat in south west London, which she described as “a safe place to help [her] grow”.

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