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Youth Homelessness in Norfolk. Starter Activity: What does the word ‘homelessness’ mean to you?. Homelessness. Some very real ( and scary!) figures…. - It is estimated that 1 in every 200 people in the UK are homeless.
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Youth Homelessness in Norfolk
Starter Activity: What does the word ‘homelessness’ mean to you? Homelessness
Some very real ( and scary!) figures… - It is estimated that 1 in every 200 people in the UK are homeless - Half of rough sleepers accessing homelessness services are between 18-25 years old - Young people in the UK are three times more likely to experience homelessness in the last three years due to an increase in unemployment - East Anglia has the fifth highest number of homeless people in the UK - The number of rough sleepers in Norfolk and Waveney has increased by 100% in the last five years (EDP, 2018) - The number of homeless people dying increased by 24% in five years (Office of National Statistics)
What causes a young person to become homeless? - They have no one to ask for help - Unaware of their housing rights and entitlements - Unemployment - Family or relationship issues - Lack of affordable housing - Difficulty accessing government support such as universal credit - Lack of local charities, organisations and accommodation - Mental health and disabilities - Violence or abuse
How does a homeless person usually feel? - Lonely and like they have no one to support them - Tired because it’s very difficult to get a good night sleep when you’re ‘sleeping rough’ on the streets or in public spaces - Terrified because they are sleeping in dangerous places - Hungry because they have little access to food and hot meals - Desperate to break out of the cycle of homelessness - Cold because they often spend night and after night in the rain, wind and even snow – when temperatures to drop below freezing - Helpless and have little control over their own life and future
How does YMCA Norfolk support young people? YMCA Norfolk believes that every young person should be given the opportunity to reach their very best potential. Not only do we equip young people with life-long skills, but also help them to build social circles, find them safe accommodation, and assist them to become empowering, inspiring and hope-filled individuals. Just to name a few of our services… Mental Health Training We offer both Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid Training Courses, and have been recognised as a leading training provider. Housing We are a registered Housing provider offering 243 units of accommodation across Norfolk. In 2017 we provided a safe home and support for 467 young people and families. Schools Support We offer a range of pastoral care services with a vast range of schools across Norfolk, delivering programmes to help vulnerable students. Youth Clubs We currently run ten weekly youth clubs around Norfolk, and we’re constantly expanding!
Jas’s Story “I was 12 when my mum passed away and my family unit quickly fell apart. I was trying to play the role of mum by looking after my dad and three brothers. The next five years were hell and they took their toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally. I attempted suicide earlier in 2018 and, after this, I knew I needed to move out. That’s when I was advised to contact YMCA. That was six months ago and I now feel so different about things. The old me was too shy, too scared and in a bad emotional state to be able to take in opportunities, never mind grab them. I have gone from feeling isolated to now being able to have a voice and being listened to. I have taken time to accept myself and I use my voice as a source of strength – it’s like a new power. Since I moved into the YMCA in Norwich I’ve become more confident in everything I do. I have taken on the role as chair of the Norwich Youth Advisory Board and spoken about social mobility at a number of events. I have also been invited to speak soon at Westminster and at the Norfolk Governors Conference. I’ve recently been reminded of when I was young, I wanted to be an actor. I enjoyed playing different roles and I loved the challenge of playing new characters and re-creating myself. “It almost feels like the YMCA has given me this platform to finally start using some of my potential. They have shown me so much, from practical steps to enjoying new positive experiences. I am starting to like and accept myself.”
1. Fundraising Non-uniform days; a pound a person can go a long way! Quiz or movie night Cake sales and baking events Five a side football tournament Photo and art competition Fashion show
2. Sleep Easy 2019 Choose to give up your bed for one night and have a sleepover at your school to raise money and awareness for youth homelessness. So far the event has raised more than £80,000 for young people in Norfolk. See fundraising tip number 3 on our schools fundraising pack for more information about how you can hold a Sleep Easy Event – including our ‘Create a Shelter’ campaign.
3. Send us your details Post details and photos of all your fundraising activities and we will repost and retweet you! Follow us on: Instagram - @YMCANorfolk Facebook – YMCA Norfolk Twitter – @YMCANorfolk
Classroom Activity You’ve recently joined the fundraising and charity student committee at your school or college. You’re asked to come up with three different ways to raise money for YMCA Norfolk. Work in groups of 2-3 to draft three different events, celebrations or competitions which would fundraise money. Remember to think about: • Where would you hold the event? • Who would you invite? • How much would it cost? • Why would people want to take part in this specific event of competition? Present your ideas to the class – who has the best idea and why? Ask your teacher to email or post them to us! info@ymcanorfolk.org or 35-37, Exchange Street, Norwich, NR21DP
