Did you know that more than 1-in-3 (35%) of single homeless people accessing supported accommodation in England are young people aged 18-25?
What is more, 1-in-5 of all YMCA applicants assessed as homeless by local authorities in England in 2019-20 were aged 16-24 (21%) – which equates to 185 16-24 year olds being declared as homeless or threatened with homelessness everyday across England and Wales.
Youth services and investing in the futures of young people have never been more important; and yet, 160 youth centres were closed and nearly 900 youth worker jobs cut between 2016-2019.
We believe that it is only by nurturing communities in which young people and families can access the best possible start in life that we can tackle the root causes of youth homelessness. As Nottinghamshire YMCA embarks upon the charity’s 150th anniversary year in 2021, it is our pledge to continue building life-shaping opportunities so that all children and young people have a meaningful chance to belong, contribute and thrive together.
Read YMCA England and Wales’ full report online to understand the full impact of our movement across the country and learn how you can help shape positive change.