On 30^th November, Centrepoint won an £80,000 award to provide computers and internet access for young people at their Bruce House service in Soho, as part of ITV’s People’s Millions lottery fund. Centrepoint was competing against other charities on ITV London Tonight, with the public voting to decide the allocation of five awards to fund social projects over the course of the week.

Centrepoint will use the award to implement a project that gives vulnerable young people the chance to acquire computer literacy skills, improving their employment prospects as well as allowing them to use the internet to access opportunities. Low IT literacy reduces options for learning and work; this project is a step towards giving disadvantaged young people the skills and confidence to transform their lives and make a positive contribution to society.

Bruce House Foyer in Westminster provides accommodation for 49 homeless and socially excluded 16-24 year olds. The youngsters - including refugees and asylum seekers, and those without qualifications and at risk of long term unemployment – are encouraged to take part in training, education and employment, supported by a team of full time staff. Centrepoint’s People’s Millions success is set to provide 24 hour computer and internet access for these young people to use for educational purposes, to stay in touch with family and to connect with other young people.

As it approaches its fortieth anniversary in 2009 Centrepoint has helped more than 70,000 young homeless people, like those at the Bruce House Foyer, to lay down firm foundations for the future. To do so Centrepoint uses its award-winning ‘support and development’ approach with each individual it works with. This helps the young person to tackle their practical, personal, social, learning and work needs. Educational opportunities therefore form a crucial part of Centrepoint’s work to help young people fulfil their individual potential.

Centrepoint Chief Executive Anthony Lawton said: “We want to give young people a home, not just a house, and the life skills and qualifications they need for a brighter future. We believe computer literacy is extremely important in this - not only transforming a person’s employment opportunities and ability to learn, but in helping to build confidence and a sense of social inclusion. Computers and internet access will provide young people with an infinite source of information and connection with the outside world and we are delighted that Londoners have picked up their phones and voted for us to ensure we can make this project a reality.”