Supporting Centrepoint to end youth homelessness
We have a strong sense of community at WorkPR, and therefore understand the importance of taking action to create positive change. It’s for this reason we’ve chosen to give our backing to Centrepoint, the UK’s leading charity who work tirelessly to combat homelessness in the young.
Every year, Centrepoint helps almost 14,000 young people find the support, stability, and opportunities they need to build brighter futures. From providing housing and essential services to delivering education, legal advice, and life skills programmes, Centrepoint make it their mission to give every young person the chance to live a normal, fulfilling life.
Youth homelessness is not something the nation can’t afford to lose sight of, which is why we are joining the fight and working with Centrepoint to achieve their goal of eradicating youth homelessness in the UK by 2037.
How we’re helping
WorkPR stand by Centrepoint and the vital role they play in communities by providing monthly donations and remaining up to date with their latest news and developments. Our financial support focuses on giving homeless young people a safe place to live and assisting them into education or a job.
Our partnership is one of many which joins the movement of change-makers, to put a stop to rough sleeping and restore hope in the vulnerable, that a promising future absolutely does lie ahead despite the early challenges they have faced.
We are putting in our greatest efforts to help break the cycle of young homelessness and tackle the current housing crisis that is holding so many 16-25 years olds back. The contributions we have already made, and continue to make, will help young people navigate their way through the lowest points in their lives whilst preparing them with the knowledge and resources to live independently.
No young person should be defined by homelessness, and we want nothing more than to be involved in reclaiming their future - no matter the cause of their unfortunate living arrangements. We’re not only looking to benefit the individuals themselves, but also create a safer society without young homelessness.
Centrepoint’s influence so far
Centrepoint is underpinned by attitudes of ‘what can I do to help?’, rather than waiting for someone else to address the issue. Although the delivery of their services has evolved since its establishment, their manifesto remains grounded - guiding young people out of homelessness and on to the path they rightfully deserve.
The charity has come a long way from the Soho church basement in which it was founded in 1969. They now operate over 60 services for homeless young people, with 79% of Centrepoint residents saying they have experienced successful support that has made a huge difference to their lives.
The impactful programmes they run, like their AIM initiative, have provided thousands of young people with access to essential advice on housing, employment, and finances. As well, their hardship funds consider the needs of people in food poverty by providing emergency supermarket vouchers and critical household items.
Centrepoint’s policies and campaigns work to fix the system, attacking homelessness at the root rather than waiting to act once the damage has been done. By collecting local data, their research team gain insight into the types of interactions young people are having with their local councils and what help is being provided. It’s the lack of cooperation from Government bodies that has shifted their approach, now prioritising prevention strategies through early identification and offering support before at-risk individuals become homeless.
Whilst these new and improved proceedings seem to be working much better, we are nowhere near where we need to be as a nation. More than 118,000 young people asked for help with homelessness last year, and there are still so many more crucial conversations with vulnerable young people that need to be had.
You can support too
Young people sleeping rough is a shocking and visible problem that has thousands living in fear and uncertainty, for their current circumstances and beyond. What’s worse, the problem isn’t going away – it’s climbing and becoming harder to manage.
Whether you’re a big cooperation, a small business or standing alone, charities like Centrepoint need our generosity to continue carrying out their invaluable work and reach even more young people. Your collaboration could help a young person find safety at Centrepoint this year.
If you are unable to support the charity financially, there are plenty more ways you can get involved and make a difference. Volunteering or simply spreading the word, either in person or via social media, has a huge impact on the recognition and awareness surrounding Centrepoint. It might even inspire someone who is in the position to offer financial aid to take that step and contact the charity.
Without support from us all, the organisation can’t give homeless young people a future. At present, we have the knowledge and capabilities to help them leave homelessness behind forever.