Centrepoint Predicts Rise in Youth Homelessness

Centrepoint reports that nearly 23,000 young people aged 16 to 24 are expected to face homelessness in England this Christmas, with London, the South East, and the West Midlands being the hardest hit regions. The charity highlights that the actual numbers may be higher due to hidden homelessness, such as sofa-surfing. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan expressed concern over the rising figures, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of homelessness. A snow globe installation on London's South Bank aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by homeless youth, exemplifying individual stories like that of Mars, a 19-year-old who received support after a family breakdown. Doctor Helen Miles from Centrepoint noted the severe impact of homelessness on young people's mental and physical health, stressing the importance of appropriate support systems. While this year's figures show a slight decrease from last year, the ongoing crisis remains a grave concern for local authorities and charities alike.