It’s the time of the year when many look forward to winding down over the festive season, spending time with family and friends or perhaps planning for the year ahead. However, that’s not the case for everyone. Worryingly this academic year NewVIc has seen a sizeable increase in students, aged 16-19, experiencing homelessness. According to a recent research report, 1 in 52 young people is homeless or at risk in the UK. Closer to home, Newham has one of the highest homelessness rates in London.
Youth homelessness can be hard to detect, but it takes many forms; from sofa surfing, living with family in emergency accommodation to living independently, having turned 18. It is difficult to comprehend or describe the impact on affected students. From an educational perspective, it’s no surprise they battle against the odds to achieve their potential and engage with learning. Imagine not having access to a place to study coupled with the role of being a carer and taking on adult responsibilities?
Students embarrassed by their lives often withdraw from their peers, becoming isolated. Dealing with the challenges and the instability of their lives takes a toll on their mental health, wellbeing and outlook on life. Staff work tirelessly to give as much support as possible; from providing free school meals, hardship bursaries, laptops for work, safe spaces and opportunities to share concerns to signposting food banks, supplying emergency toiletries and access to college laundry facilities, mental health support and counselling. We also work with a myriad of agencies, from social services and CAMHS to homelessness charities such as St Giles and Centrepoint, helping young people navigate the system.
Looking at the wider picture, we know there are no simple solutions. However, we believe more can and must be done to understand the causes and develop practical solutions to stop youth homelessness in its tracks. From a grassroots perspective, we know an increase in the supply of affordable social housing should be part of a wider solution.
Individually, we can also do a little bit to help. DePaul UK provides young people (16-25) access to hosted short-term spaces to stay (DBS checked). If you have a spare room, perhaps you find out how to become a host? Please help us to help them.