As the cost-of-living continues to increase, many young people could be struggling to keep themselves afloat financially.
There are fears that the money worries that are affecting everyone could increase the number of young people who are forced to sleep on the streets.
Due to the rise in the price of bills, food and fuel there is a greater strain on families and one of the main reasons why young people find themselves on the streets - or couch surfing at their friends’ houses - is due to relationships breaking down.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Youth homelessness is not always as visible in a way that captures the public’s imagination. It is not all that common to see young people sleeping in the streets in the city centre.
Homelessness in the younger population can almost be seen as invisible, which, sadly, means it is often easy to ignore and forget about.
Star Project is a Paisley charity that tackles the impacts of poverty and deprivation and supports people during tough times.
Chief executive Sharon McAulay said: “I think we will absolutely see the homelessness situation for young people worsening alongside increased debt, mental health issues, a sense of hopelessness and a lack of support, perceived or otherwise.
“I don’t believe that the government fully understands the dire consequences of their lack of action. They need to implement a comprehensive support package now, for all ages, this can’t wait until September.”
For young people in this situation, they are spending more time searching for any way to stay afloat rather than seeking for opportunities to improve their current circumstances
Many young adults are less likely to go to housing officers for homeless assessments as they feel that due to them having made informal arrangements with their friends and family and because they are not sleeping rough or ‘roofless’, they do not see themselves as truly homeless.
Some are worried that they will not be able to afford a house if they are given one and therefore, choose to stay away from seeking help in fear that they might become homeless again.
They are unfortunately being restricted not by choice, but by external factors that are outside their control.
A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said, “There tends to be a combination of factors which lead to someone reaching the point where they have nowhere to stay. For young people these often include a breakdown in their relationship with their family or friends.
“We offer a wide range of support measures to help young people prevent homelessness, and/or find settled accommodation that meets their needs.
This support includes rebuilding family relationships, advice on housing options, assistance with furnishing a new home, and helping them sustain a tenancy particularly in the early stage of setting up a new home.”
If you, or anyone you know, is homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless, visit the Renfrewshire Council’s website https://bit.ly/3SWLjxl for help and advice.
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area.
Available on both Android and Apple. Do wnload here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
