Mental health

Young people who make their home at Centrepoint can be more disadvantaged in health terms  than other young people their age. Homeless young people lead chaotic and unstable lives which mean that poor physical and mental health is common.

The evidence is compelling: many homeless young people suffer from mental health difficulties. Mental health problems can be one of the factors that lead a young person to become homeless; or problems can develop because of the experience of being homeless. Mental health problems are eight times higher for people living in bed and breakfast accommodation, and eleven times higher for those who sleep rough, compared to the general population (Wright, 2002).

To help young people with mental health difficulties we have a dedicated team of specialists to help with young people's mental health problems. Most of the 'referrals' are of young people with a history of homelessness due to abuse during childhood, as well as  a number of refugees with a history of trauma, loneliness and isolation.