Ending youth homelessness – together

Faced with ongoing cost-of-living concerns, deepening social rifts, and disruptive ways of working, it can seem that the goal posts are constantly moving for young and vulnerable members of society.  

The combination of societal changes and growing individual struggles means the possibility of falling into homelessness is a real threat for many. An estimated 118,134 young people aged 16-24 across the UK reached were homeless, or at risk of homelessness, during 2023/24. And with mounting economic pressures and diminished support, there’s a risk this figure will keep growing. While the planned welfare reforms aim to boost employment, they could push a quarter of a million people into poverty, including 50,000 children, according to the government’s own assessment.  

But youth homelessness doesn’t have to be a reality. By offering meaningful employment pathways, leaning into organisational strengths, and facilitating meaningful collaboration, it’s possible to turn the tide. 

New challenges call for more tailored support 

Whether it’s complicated family dynamics or severe mental health needs, a blanket response isn’t enough to help overcome the unique challenges young people face. Moreover, an increasingly digitised world of work means the barriers to employment for young people have only grown in complexity, requiring more bespoke employability guidance. 

Organisations of all sizes play a crucial role in supporting disadvantaged young people, and should look to leverage their unique strengths and industry position to offer opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. To truly put an end to youth homelessness, it’s vital to understand lived experiences and ascertain what support will make a lasting difference. 

Our response is Project Flourish: a groundbreaking pro bono employability programme created in collaboration with EveryYouth. Through the project, we're providing young people at risk of homelessness the confidence, skills and opportunities to succeed in the evolving world of work. Recognising the varied, individual challenges that each person faces, Project Flourish offers a range of bespoke support: from a highly versatile ‘Super Boost’ bursary scheme that covers a young person’s rent, travel and much more, to expert employability advice and wellbeing support. 

However, we know it’s not possible to reach out to and support every disadvantaged young person. But by playing to our own areas of expertise and sphere of influence, we can collectively develop a long-term solution to preventing young people falling into the cycle of homelessness. 

Ending youth homelessness requires a united front 

Youth homelessness is too expansive an issue for one organisation – or even a government – to tackle alone. And just as each person faces their own challenges, different localities have their own distinct needs. It’s crucial then that organisations across various sectors and regions can share their insights, resources and networks to best engage and support those most in need. 

We’ve been working with a variety of charitable partners over the past few years to create better opportunities for disadvantaged young people and amplify the impact of Project Flourish. This includes being a signatory, and on the advisory board, for Crisis’ Homelessness Alliance, and an award-winning employer member of Movement to Work, where we’re committed to improving employment outcomes for young people through joint action and shared expertise. 

Most recently, we became an Activator for Homewards – a five-year programme created by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales dedicated to ending homelessness. As a Homewards Activator, we’re assisting in obtaining national and local commitments towards the provision of job and training opportunities, addressing the needs identified in all Homewards Local Action Plans, and delivering tailored, data-driven insights to help identify and overcome employment barriers for individuals facing homelessness. 

Join us on the journey 

Ending youth homelessness is no small task, but there’s a clear willingness to support the wider cause. In a Homewards survey exploring public perceptions of homelessness, seven in ten (72%) support the aim of ‘ending’ homelessness when defined as making it rare, brief, and unrepeated. Moreover, nearly two-thirds (65%) agree that as a society there are plenty of things we can do to end homelessness, such as helping with gaining or staying in employment, which 89% support.  

By working together, it’s possible that businesses, organisations and governmental bodies can harness this sentiment for the greater good – and their own self development. Engaging with young people is not only a viable way of gaining and developing skills for your organisation, but an important catalyst for creating more inclusive workplaces that are fit for the future. Moreover, you’ll be part of a growing network of influential, likeminded and supportive organisations, dedicated to building a fairer world of work and nurturing the next generation of talent. 

For too many young people, unemployment and homelessness are not choices they make – but offering them the support and guidance they need could be within your reach. 

Visit our site to learn more about Project Flourish and find out how the initiative can help develop your organisation’s social purpose and harness your strengths for a lasting impact.