Essex charity warns of "psychological trauma" as one youngster becomes homeless every four minutes
2300 young people in the East of England expected to present as homeless this Winter
The CEO of an Essex homeless charity says she's "saddened that Christmas has to be used as an emotional lever to receive support" as new research shows one young person becomes homeless every four minutes.
New figures estimate 2,300 young people aged between 16 and 25 in the East of England are expected to present as homeless this winter.
Research by the UK's leading homelessness charity, Centrepoint, predict that number to be 23,000 young people nationally.
Sanctus is a Chelmsford based charity supporting the homeless and vulnerable people of Essex.
CEO, Emma Hughes, warns of the "unquantifiable" psychological trauma experienced by young rough sleepers across the county.
"The feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and helplessness are undeniable."
Centrepoint warns 71% of formerly homeless young people report that their mental health was negatively affected.
Mrs Hughes tells us the psychological trauma of young rough sleepers is "unquantifiable".
"Many of these young people seek comfort in anyone on the streets who shows an interest in them.
"Often this involves using drugs, drug running, getting involved in county lines, engaging in the sex trade, anything that brings in money or makes their situation feel more bearable.
The latest findings will show that one young person aged 16–25 becomes homeless every four minutes.
Two thirds (66%) of those surveyed by Centrepoint said they felt anxious for their safety because they had nowhere to stay at Christmas.
Doctor Helen Miles, Head of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) at Centrepoint says: “Experiencing homelessness at any age can have a huge and long-lasting impact on a person’s physical and mental health, but young people are particularly vulnerable.
“The trauma and instability of not having a safe home, family or network to turn to can severely affect a young person’s sense of physical and emotional safety, which can impact on their ability to engage in life opportunities, critical at this age in order to reach their full potential in the future."
If you have found someone who is homeless or you have become homeless yourself, visit the Street Support website to notify local organisations who will be able to help.
The Sanctus helpline number is 01245 257985.