Skills for the Job: Tackling youth homelessness

What are the different types of homelessness?

Homelessness means different things to different people. The government definition only really covers rough sleeping, but we would argue that "hidden homelessness", such as sofa-surfing or moving from one house to another, should be included. There has also been talk in the sector about whether or not to consider people in over-crowded homes, or substandard housing as "homeless".

How many young people are homeless?

Official government figures on statutory homelessness show that there are around 20,000 people of all ages affected, but this only covers those who meet the definition of homelessness based on strict criteria. From research we have done, we estimate that around 80,000 under-25s alone experience homelessness each year. It is very difficult to get precise figures though because local authorities no longer have to collect a range of information on homelessness for national indicators. What is clear is that rough sleeping in London has increased and we believe that the national figure for young people experiencing homelessness each year could now be above the 80,000 mark.

Why do young people end up homeless?

Around 30 per cent of the young people we support come from the care system. Very often there is a gap between local authority or government agency support that young people get when they are under 18 and in care, and what they can access post-18. The number of young people who have been in care who present as homeless is increasing. It can often be the case that they leave care at 17 or 18 and do not have adequate support. They don't necessarily have the skills other people take for granted. If they haven't had to budget, or cook for themselves, or pay bills they can struggle.

There are also a lot of young people who end up homeless because of family breakdown. It could be they have a large number of siblings and are living in overcrowded accommodation, there may have been some violence in the household, or there may have been alcohol misuse in the house.

There are also quite a few young people who are refugees who present as homeless. They may have been given leave to remain in the country, but have nowhere to live.

What are the implications of homelessness on young people?

Homeless young people are almost four times more likely to be not in education employment and training (Neet) than their non-homeless peers. Just 20 per cent of homeless young people that Centrepoint works with have between one and four GCSEs, compared to the national average of 70 per cent. Around 40 per cent of them have no qualifications at all. Young people who are homeless are also more likely to have experienced problems with drug use.

What support is available?

The local authority is in the best position to offer help and advice to young people. They have a duty to help those in priority need, which includes people with children, under 18s, care leavers up to 21, those with severe disabilities, and those fleeing domestic violence. However, the majority of local authorities still put people in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation simply because they don't have the money to provide better alternatives.

If those working with children and young people believe they may be homeless, they should make sure they get in touch with the council.

Many young people don't realise that if they are moving around, or sofa-surfing they are homeless, and they don't realise the impact it has. It's up to professionals - such as GPs and teachers to look out for potential signs of homelessness, such as not interacting with people, tiredness, and slower development as students, and take action.

Paul Noblet is public affairs manager at Centrepoint

Find out more

• www.centrepoint.org.uk Centrepoint is a charity that supports more than 1,000 young people a year in London and the North East, as well as working to influence national and local government policy affecting homeless young people.
• www.homeless.org.uk Homeless Link is a national charity supporting people and organisations working directly with homeless people in England and Wales.