In support of National Safeguarding Week, we wanted to highlight some of the challenges faced by young people today.
Every year over 7,000 people under the age of 25 in Wales ask for help with homelessness.
The challenges they face now, such as a higher risk of poverty and destitution, reduction in welfare benefit entitlements, and discrimination in the housing and labour markets could affect their route to an independent adult life.
Certain young people may be especially affected by these factors and, therefore, particularly vulnerable to homelessness. Some examples are care leavers, and those unable to remain with their family or carer.
There are many reasons why young people become homeless. These include, family relationship breakdown, mental health issues, offending, dropping out of school early.
Youth Homelessness is a complex issue.
You do not have to be living on the streets to be classed as homeless. Young people are very often part of what’s termed “hidden homeless” in that they are, sofa surfing or sleeping on floors, with friends or strangers to avoid sleeping rough. As the generosity of friends and family runs out, they very often make more and more risky decisions about where to sleep each night. Being homeless when you are young can be scary and have life-long consequences if the right support is not put in place at the right time.
If you are worried about your own situation or know someone who is, contact Wrexham’s Family Information Service on 01978 292094 or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WrexhamFamilyInformationService or email your enquiry to fis@wrexham.gov.uk
You are not alone and there is help out there for you.
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