Centrepoint

It was really encouraging to meet with 50 MPs yesterday at the Plan for the 136k Collective’s parliamentary drop-in! Together, we’re calling for a #YouthHomelessChapter in the government’s new cross-departmental strategy to end homelessness – and to make this happen, we need MPs to commit to effective, cross-cutting interventions for the most vulnerable young people. Our four main priorities for the government to focus on are: 🟠 Funding and guidance for local councils  🟠 Increased affordable housing  🟠 Financial support – including ending age-related discrimination with pay and benefits  🟠 Preventing homelessness through school and community support and early identification programmes Lee Pitcher MP Kirith Entwistle Florence Eshalomi Rachel Blake Danny Beales Emily Darlington MP New Horizon Youth Centre YMCA England & Wales

We took over part of London’s Southbank to unveil a giant Christmas snow globe and shine a light on the 23,000 young people who will face homelessness this winter. All young people deserve somewhere to call home, and a future beyond homelessness.

We estimate almost 23,000 young people could face homelessness this winter across England. Every young person deserves to feel physically and emotionally safe, valued, and hopeful, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.

Last week, some of our incredible corporate partners swapped their beds for a sleeping bag at The Kia Oval - Surrey County Cricket Club and raised more than £180,000 so far! On the night, teams heard from Centrepoint colleagues and young people we have supported, as well as taking part in a variety of activities to learn more about youth homelessness. Huge thanks to our Headline Sponsor for Sleep Out Nationwide Building Society and event Silver Sponsors Lomond and mydeposits 👏 If you’re inspired to get involved, you can: Join our London 2025 Sleep Out: https://bit.ly/3ZmvRQB Join our Manchester 2025 Sleep Out: https://bit.ly/3ZcNIJB Sign up to hold your own Sleep Out: https://bit.ly/3OcNz2f

“I was very proud to be nominated and shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year Award for Helpline Partnerships. I have felt so supported by the Helpline team and being nominated has made me feel positive about my contribution on the helpline. I originally was a donor for Centrepoint then applied to support the helpline as an adviser. With a background of child nursing, I am keen to give something back to vulnerable people." Huge congratulations to Angela, one of our amazing volunteers, on being shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Helpline Partnerships Awards. 🧡 Angela has been volunteering on our Helpline for the past 2 years and has made an incredible impact during this time by supporting young people in crisis with kindness and care. She brings so much positivity to each shift, and her ability to make young people’s voices feel heard is invaluable. She provides a safe space and ensures that each young person she speaks to is aware of their rights, moving them towards securing safe housing.

Shannon is one of our Centrepoint Award winners - she's resilient, generous and independent! She's worked so hard to overcome homelessness, and she's passionate about helping other young people too. 🧡 Nationwide Building Society

Only one week to go until our Corporate Sleep Out is back! On Thursday 14 November, we'll be welcoming our Sleep Out teams to take on a night they won’t forget at The Kia Oval - Surrey County Cricket Club! With a range of activities and speeches taking place, teams will learn more about youth homelessness, whilst raising vital funds to help us support more young people facing homelessness. We're delighted to announce our Headline Sponsor for Sleep Out Nationwide Building Society 🧡 This year’s Corporate Sleep Out also excitingly has two Silver Sponsors Lomond and mydeposits 👏 We can't wait to see everyone!

This Pro Bono week, we’re celebrating the impact of our legal advice offer for young people.   For many young people, accessing legal support can feel impossible, intimidating and overwhelming. Legal support is more than resolving legal issues, it is also about being seen, heard and understood. Each of the clinic sessions delivered by our partners gives young people a chance to voice their struggles and fears in an environment solely focussed on their needs.   One young person shared: “I think it was the best thing I’ve ever done, I feel like I’ve been supported, and no one has let me down. I’m happy that someone heard my voice and took action on it. I now have more of an idea about how the legal system works, and what they can offer, and in the future I would know what to do and who to approach for help”.   For many, the legal advice can be a first step towards security, self-confidence and autonomy. Young people can leave with a clear path forward and the belief that they deserve help and respect.   Thank you to all our partners for helping to give a voice to young people experiencing homelessness and for supporting them to make informed decisions about their legal issues: Herbert Smith Freehills, Goldman Sachs, FOURTEEN, Hertfordshire Law Clinic, Coram Children's Legal Centre.   #ProBonoWeek #WeDoProBono

It’s Pro Bono Week – learn more about how we support young people to access legal advice with topics like employment rights, housing benefit, immigration, family law and consumer issues.   Our legal offer for young people is delivered in partnership with a range of legal experts and organisations, and aim to break down barriers by increasing access to justice. The one-off legal clinic sessions provide a means for young people to speak freely and without judgement, and they receive a summary of the clinic session and recommended steps, which allows their legal needs to be dealt with proactively.   We’re grateful to partner with lawyers who not only offer this expert advice, but also provide it with empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges that young people experiencing homelessness face.   A massive thank you to these amazing lawyers who make the legal clinics possible: Herbert Smith Freehills, Goldman Sachs, FOURTEEN, Hertfordshire Law Clinic, Coram Children's Legal Centre   #ProBonoWeek #WeDoProBono

Toni-Ann believes no young person should ever face homelessness, and she's using her own experience to make this a reality. She's one of our amazing Centrepoint Award winners because she's determined, altruistic and successful. 🧡 Coventry Building Society