More young Notts people at risk of homelessness because of pandemic

At least 2,290 people aged between 16-24 approached their local authority in 2018/19 because they had become homeless or were at risk of losing their home, according to to a Freedom of Information request by Centrepoint, a youth homelessness charity.

Of the 2,290 people, just 733 - or 32 percent - had a positive outcome, which includes finding accommodation or where homelessness was prevented.

The charity is now concerned the pandemic may lead to more young people becoming homeless, having already received calls from people who had lost their homes due to the pandemic, as financial resources are stretched and local authorities come under pressure.

Centrepoint’s Chief Executive Seyi Obakin said: “The government is repeatedly telling everyone to stay at home – but that is simply not possible for some of the country’s most vulnerable young people.

“The government are already stepping up support for homeless young people but they need to go further and ensure every local authority continues to provide support and by ensuring that charities and councils have enough funding to carry out their responsibilities.”

Mansfield had the largest number of people approach the authority for help out of all the districts and boroughs in the county.

A total of 324 people were either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and 75 had a positive outcome.

Jill Finnesey, head of housing, said: “We have a wide range of initiatives to reduce the complex issue of homelessness and prevent it from happening in the first place.

"We encourage people of any age who are at risk of homelessness to contact us on 01623 463463 as soon as possible so we can work with them to prevent them losing their home.

“Find out how you can help us to support our most vulnerable community at www.mansfieldstreetsupport.co.uk."

In Ashfield, 144 young people approached the council for help, while 67 had a positive outcome.

A district council spokeswoman said: "The council is committed to preventing as many residents as possible from experiencing homelessness, as set out in our Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Prevention Strategy 2019-24.

"This strategy was developed in partnership with a large number of stakeholders including services that work with young people and together we are working to increase the affordable accommodation and support available to young people.

"This work includes the Care Leaver Offer that has been developed across Nottinghamshire and engaging with secondary school and college students on living independently.

"Young people often become homeless after being asked to leave by the family or friends they are staying with and find it hard to access social housing or private rented sector housing due to their income levels, the landlord’s application criteria and lack of independent living skills.

"We share Centrepoint’s concern that young people will become homeless as a result of coronavirus, which is making it more difficult to access accommodation. We encourage any resident who needs our support to get in touch."