According to figures from York University, more than 75,000 young people in the UK – one in 100 – experience homelessness each year. But official statistics may not reveal the true picture. Homelessness is often invisible, as many young people do not approach the authorities for help. Many of them stay with friends, "sofa surf" or live in squats.
One-third of young people helped by Centrepoint have slept rough. Centrepoint is the national charity supporting homeless young people, offering those aged 16-25 housing and other kinds of assistance, as well as campaigning on their behalf. It provides services to more than 779 homeless young people every day.
As well as being homeless, many Centrepoint residents also need support with a range of issues: mental and physical ill-health, literacy, numeracy, or substance abuse. Many feel that they are entirely alone, that no one cares what happens to them.
At Christmas, their need for community becomes even stronger. Patrick Randle is the manager of Centrepoint's Berwick Street hostel in London. "It can be quite a sad time of year for these young people, as it can for everyone without a family around them," he says. But Centrepoint staff make sure that the young people have as good a time as possible.
"Hopefully we will have a nice sit-down meal. [The young people] will get presents, simple things but something specific to them," Randle says. "We make sure they are comfortable and happy. It's a fun time, and people are in high spirits. They are all together."
Centrepoint's Christmas campaigns
Centrepoint is doing all that it can to ensure that young homeless people are given a warm and secure room for the festive season – and the basics of a Christmas celebration. The Home for Christmas appeal is the charity's special Christmas campaign.
For virtual gifts, ranging from a hot meal to baby clothes for homeless young mothers, go to centrepointgifts.org.uk, where you'll find ideas to help people who need it the most.
And, for a longer-term way to support the charity's work, visit centrepointroom.org.uk for information about sponsoring a room for a young person – a gift that will give someone the chance of a brighter future.
