Centrepoint · 2021
This Centrepoint report reviews the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on homeless young people aged 16–25 across the UK over the year from March 2020. It draws on government homelessness and unemployment statistics, Centrepoint Helpline call data, and qualitative interviews with frontline staff to show that youth homelessness and rough sleeping remained serious problems despite significant government interventions. Key findings include a 33% rise in Helpline calls, a doubling of the youth claimant count, a sharp increase in demand for mental health support (up 40%), and a 276% rise in emergency food actions. The report concludes with recommendations for long-term youth-specific accommodation funding, improved access to homelessness services, and reforms to Universal Credit.