The range of services aimed to support young people at risk of becoming homeless are lacking according to a new research by charity Homeless Link.
Poor welfare support, lack of information, unreliable support from statutory services and limited access to education and work contribute to the hopeless situation of the homeless youth according to the research. In the last two years, over 90,000 young people aged 16-24 asked for help at their local council due to the risk of homelessness - and the number could be more by even hundreds as not everyone turns to the council. These young people are being failed by the services that are supposed to protect them. Furthermore, if an experience of homelessness occurs at these formative years of youth, it is likely to leave a long-term imprint on their adulthood.
The research throws light on system failures through the stories of 45 young people with experience of homelessness living across England.
It explores interview participants’ experiences of homelessness and the homelessness system and examines the assets that helped them to deal with hardships. Youth Voice, a partner in the research identified Confidence, Choice, Community, Consistency and Control as the five most important assets that could help young people at risk of homelessness.
The research also takes a look at the role of services in empowering young people and shares good practices. It urges the government to focus on a strategy where early intervention and prevention are key, working in collaboration with the affected community. According to the interviews, responsive and tailored support building on young people's strengths plays an important role in successful help.
“No one offered me mental health support, I was a victim of domestic violence and the council did nothing. I should have just stayed, so what if I get punched, at least I have a warm bed and food in my belly. I’m asking for help and no one can help me.” – says a participant, and it becomes clear from the report that mental health services are also in desperate need for reform in order to serve the underprivileged.
This year, Covid-19 has worsened the challenges young people already faced. The pandemic has impacted disproportionately on the most marginalised, thus urgent measures are more crucial than ever.