Pippa MyringLaunched on the 23rd of January, a specialist scheme to help young homeless people into employment and independent living is under way in York. Geared towards supporting vulnerable and homeless young people between 16-21, City of York Council’s Housing and Children’s Social Care Services are adapting a hostel situated in Acomb for the scheme.
As part of the service, an informative and educational training programme will be provided covering aspects of life such as; teaching young people about how to maintain a tenancy, independent living skills, how to prepare for work, how to budget, how to cook, and information about sexual health and personal relationships.
Further services will also be provided at the Acomb site. The council’s Pathway Team, who support people who are just about to or have already left care, will be at the centre. Council partner York College, will be hosting foundation educational programmes, aimed at encouraging young people back into education and training. Other council services will also be running advice session from the hostel.
As a teenager, a lot can change during those adolescent years; the school to work transition, having to take on more responsibility as a young adult, personal relationships, to mention just the basics. The impact this can have on family relationships, and the stress this can put them under can sometimes make family living arrangements untenable. According to research carried out by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, relationship breakdown is the biggest cause of youth homelessness.
This is just one cause of youth homelessness. Disadvantaged socio-economic environments, traumatic experiences in childhood, and withdrawal from education and employment, are just a few of the further causes of youth homelessness. Young homeless people are more likely to suffer from poor health, depression and other mental health issues, and alcohol and drug abuse.
National statistics prove problematic when it comes to putting a number on the amount of young homeless people, as figures only acknowledge those young people who are in contact with services. According to Depaul UK, 80,000 young people experience homelessness each year, which does not account for the “hidden homeless” unknown to services.
Cabinet member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services, Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing stated: “It is vital we support young people who are finding that starting out in York can be difficult in these challenging times”.
