Research conducted by Northumbria University and Homeless Link reveals that a staggering 94% of people facing homelessness have experienced trauma. This emphasises the critical need to address not only the physical implications of homelessness but also the mental and emotional challenges that accompany it. 

Homelessness is an issue that affected at least 118,000 young people in the UK last year, and many face significant barriers when accessing mental health services, such as cost and availability, adding yet another layer of stress to their challenging situations. 

The relationship between homelessness and mental health is complex and intertwined; one can be both a cause and a consequence of the other. Young people experiencing homelessness are at a heightened risk of developing mental health issues compared to their peers in stable housing. Conversely, those already struggling with mental health problems face an increased likelihood of becoming homeless.  

Many young people who find themselves without a stable home have endured multiple adverse childhood experiences—such as neglect, abuse, addiction and parental or personal mental illness. The emotional toll of these experiences is magnified by the challenges of living without a home.  

The realities of being homeless are stark and unforgiving. Whether it’s sofa surfing or moving between temporary accommodations, the burden is immense. Young people often juggle these challenges while trying to study, secure employment, or maintain a job.  

Statistics from Crisis show that 45% of people experiencing homelessness have a recognised mental health issue, and this percentage rises to a shocking 80% for those who are rough sleeping. With the number of young people facing homeless increasing and existing mental health support systems facing considerable gaps, it’s clear that more needs to be done to address these issues. 

By donating to EveryYouth, you can directly support our Healthy programme, which focuses on providing tailored mental health support for young people within our Network. Through EveryYouth Healthy, young people can access 12 free counselling sessions within weeks of being referred. That’s compared to six free sessions provided by the NHS, which can take months to access. This individual support helps to improve emotional resilience, setting the foundation for a healthier future. 

If young people receive the right support at the right time, they will become better equipped to live independently. Your support can make a real difference. 

Donate today!