Centre Point is a charity dedicated to fighting youth homelessness. They provide the expert support and secure housing that young people need to reclaim their dreams and have a future beyond homelessness. They run prevention programs with children aged between 11 and 16 to aid those at a hidden risk of homelessness. Centre Point also run over 60 supported accommodation programmes, aid employment and independent living pathways, and offer a dedicated helpline, and financial and legal advice for young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Why is this important?

In 2023-2024, over 118,000 young people approached their local authority for help - that’s one young person becoming homeless every four minutes. Though the real number of homeless youth is likely higher, there are likely many young people who can't or won't approach their local authorities. [1]

The most significant cause of youth homelessness is family or relationship breakdown – 58% of Centrepoint residents left their last home because of family or relationship breakdown. But there are many other causes too. For example, leaving care can be incredibly difficult and if this transition is not managed properly, vulnerable young people can end up facing homelessness.

A young person being left without proper accommodation or housing/financial insecurity leaves them in a desperately vulnerable position. Homeless youth are at risk of gang violence or exploitation via grooming. Increasingly so when considering financial instability increases the need or desire to commit crimes such as theft or the distribution of substances. One in six homeless young people take part in criminal activity for somewhere to stay[2].

They are also more likely to become a victim of violence and exploitation by others. Some groups of young people are more likely to experience this. For example, LGBT+ youth are more likely to be the targets of violence and sexual exploitation than non-LGBT+ homeless young people. In addition, one report has found that 1 in 5 young women experienced sexual assault once or more while they were homeless [2].

Removing a child or young person from housing insecurity is the first step in preventing and disrupting this harm. Education and support for independent living gives them the tools needed to lead a life of security and safety. Charities like Centre Point not only provide immediate crisis care but also long-term solutions and life-skills.

What Can I do?

Centre Point have an option for a one-off donation via their website. You may also wish to sponsor a room for a monthly fee. In the "Support Us" section, there is further information on seasonal appeals, fundraisers, payroll donations, and many other methods of support.

Sources

[1]What is youth homelessness? (no date) Centrepoint. Available at: https://centrepoint.org.uk/ending-youth-homelessness/what-youth-homelessness (Accessed: 05 November 2025).
[2]What are the effects of youth homelessness? (no date) Action for Children. Available at: https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/blog/what-are-the-effects-of-youth-homelessness/ (Accessed: 05 November 2025).