Homelessness

One of the most basic human rights is for somewhere safe and stable to live and that is particularly important for families and for young people. Yet homelessness continues to be one of the worst social problems in Britain today.

There are between 200,000 and 300,000 young homeless people in the UK and over 17,000 homeless families in London alone, who are forced to live in bed and breakfasts or hostels denying them the security, stability and privacy that they need.

Suitable accommodation is vital to a stable life that includes education, employment and healthy relationships. Young people are more vulnerable to poor health, involvement in crime and substance misuse, sexual exploitation, unemployment and dependency on benefits when they don't have a safe place to live.

Homeless families find themselves living transitory and uncertain lives. They never know when they will have to move and basic essentials like a school place or doctor become major problems. Temporary accommodation offers children no stimulation or room to play. This can lead to depression or aggressive behaviour.

The facts

• a third of children living in temporary accommodation have no school to go to..
• as many as 60 per cent of people sleeping rough have mental health problems
• homeless children are ten times more likely to die in a fire than their peers.

How Barnardo's helps

Barnardo's has approximately 30 services across the UK that help children, young people and their families facing homelessness.

We provide young people with a safe, supportive environment through supported accommodation flats. We also give them guidance and support to prepare them for living more independently. Our outreach teams on the streets actively look for homeless young people and provide a friendly ear as well as referring them to relevant agencies.

We work with families to help them secure the benefits and grants they are legally entitled to, sorting out accommodation problems and helping families to get rehoused in the same area so as to not to disrupt children's education.

Without Barnardo's help these families and young people face of future of uncertainty and stability. Donate today and help Barnardo's support more homeless children.

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