More Young People Than Ever Sleeping Rough

Government cuts and high unemployment are driving a sharp rise in the number of young people who are homeless.

Charities believe there is a worrying link between the record youth unemployment figures and the people they are dealing with.

On the streets of central London on her early morning rounds, outreach worker Miranda Keast told Sky News that under those aged between 16 and 25 now account for a larger proportion of her work.

“There has been a noticeable increase in those age groups,” she said.

“If they haven’t been in education and they don’t have much support from their families financially then it is very difficult.”

A survey carried out by Homeless Link has revealed 44% of homeless services and 48% of councils report an increase in young people seeking help.

The report also found 62% of young homeless people seen by charities were not in education, training or employment, and around half were in financial difficulties.

Paige Evans, 17, counts herself lucky to have a part-time job but has spent the last year sleeping rough or borrowing friends’ sofas in south east London.

She told Sky News: “I wake up in the morning and I don’t know where I’m going to be staying next.

“I do feel ashamed that when people ask me whereabouts do you live, and I have to say I don’t.”

Paige was helped last month by a Nightstop UK scheme where homeowners offer their spare room to someone in need.

It is a stopgap measure that gives homeless people a bed while waiting for help from overstretched organisations.

Ailsa McWilliam, from Nightstop UK, told Sky News the organisation badly needs more people to act as hosts.

“It’s a double edged sword at the moment, the cuts in the economy and the way young people are being hit by the economic situation,” she said.

“If we had more hosts it would mean we wouldn’t have to turn as many young people away.”