Worries build that youth 'hidden homelessness' is on the rise in Stoke
Charity predicts 24,400 young people will face homelessness this winter across England
There are worries youth 'hidden homelessness' in Stoke is on the rise.
This term refers to a group of people facing homelessness that are not picked up by official figures as they may be moving frequently from accommodations or 'sofa surfing'.
This comes as charity Centrepoint predict nearly 25 thousand young people in England will face homelessness this winter across England.
The homelessness charity however do not include the 'hidden homeless' and if they were included, they would expect figures to be much higher.
Speaking on the situation in Stoke, Anna Mather - from charity Concrete said:
"I'm not surprised by these statistics, which is sad, really, really sad and I do think the numbers are probably higher.
"Over the past couple of months we have seen quite a rise in referrals of young people sofa surfing.
"Placements are breaking down, and there's an increase in young people going into social services and the care system.
"We need more funding for more services to help these young people.
"We need bare basics so children can feel psychologically safe, can explore trauma they've been through and then find their way in life."
Centrepoint's Senior Helpline Manager, Paul Brocklehurst, said:
"The harsh reality is that, despite us hearing the effects of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis are starting to settle, this isn't the case for youth homelessness.
"Since last year, calls to our helpline have significantly increased and are higher than pre-pandemic levels. The impact of the past few years is pushing vulnerable young people to breaking point.
"The calls show how people who weren't previously struggling are now having to choose between eating or putting the heating on this Christmas. This is a choice no one should have to make and should never be a young person's Christmas."