Thousands of young people in North West at risk of homelessness, figures suggest

More than 2,000 young people are estimated to become homeless in the North West this winter, according to new figures from a charity.

The research has been published by Centrepoint, a youth homelessness charity, also found that a young person faces homelessness every four minutes.

Doctor Helen Miles, Head of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) at Centrepoint said: “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."

The figures come at the same time as the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued a Cold Weather Health Alert.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather.

"Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk."

The Met Office also issued weather warnings in the North West for snow and ice which came into effect on Monday evening, which charities expect to increase demand for temporary housing.

Lieutenant Alice Swain is from the Salvation Army in Macclesfield, she said: "As the weather continues to get cold, we see more and more rough sleepers who need somewhere warm to be.

"We see lots of the vulnerable people in society who maybe can't afford to heat their homes.

"They're looking for places where they can go, where they can get a warm cup of tea and someone to talk to with a warm place to sit for a while."

And it isn't just young people that it's due to affect - Hannah Taylor, CEO of Age UK Cheshire said: "It's a national crisis.

"There are issues across all communities, but we know that here in Cheshire, over 38,000 households are identified as being in fuel poverty.

"That isn't just older people, but we know that they are more vulnerable this year."

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