West Midlands expected to be among 'worst effected by youth homelessness' this winter
A youth charity has estimated that almost 23,000 young people will face homelessness this Christmas – with the West Midlands region being among the worst
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Centrepoint used it youth homelessness databank, which has been collecting such information and tracking the trends since 2017, to forecast its estimate of 22,800 young people between October and December presenting as or at risk of homeless.
The South East, London and the West Midlands are expected to have the highest numbers of 16-24 year-olds struggling with homelessness across the country. Regional breakdowns estimated 4,200 could need help from local authorities in the South East, 2,500 in London and 3,300 in the West Midlands.
However, the charity warned the true numbers can often be higher due to so-called 'hidden homelessness' such as sofa-surfing by people who do not present to local authorities as needing accommodation.
A small survey of 120 people living in Centrepoint services across England, which was conducted earlier this year, also found two thirds (66%) felt anxious for their safety because they had nowhere to stay at Christmas.
Doctor Helen Miles, a consultant clinical psychologist who works with the charity, said: “Experiencing homelessness at any age can have a huge and long-lasting impact on a person’s physical and mental health, but young people are particularly vulnerable.
“The trauma and instability of not having a safe home, family or network to turn to can severely affect a young person’s sense of physical and emotional safety, which can impact on their ability to engage in life opportunities, critical at this age in order to reach their full potential in the future.
“Our snow globe installation on South Bank is a powerful visual representation of some of the hidden struggles homeless young people face, and how important the right support is in enabling them to move on from homelessness for good.
“Every young person deserves to feel physically and emotionally safe, valued, and hopeful, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year. We hope this installation will inspire greater understanding and action from the wider community.”
The overall predictions for England are lower than last year’s estimate of around 24,400 young people, and the 29,500 estimate for winter 2022.
The freephone Centrepoint helpline is available for people aged 16-25 between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm, on 0808 800 0661 and more information on their website.
