Homelessness is by its very nature a complex challenging issue. Each and every case that I come across tends to be different and presents different challenges. If you asked Joe Public in the street what thier idea of a homeless person is they would probably describe an older male, unkempt and unshaven. This is far from fact. In 2016 homelessness can be experienced by anybody, young , old, male, female, black, white, ANYONE.

Over the last few years we have come across more and more cases of young people becoming homeless or being at risk of homelessness. More cases of young lady’s being victims of domestic abuse and finding themselves on the streets as a direct result.

We seem to have a UK government that does very little and does not appear to care. Some of the changes that have been made to the welfare system have contributed to the highest levels of homelessness in the UK for many years. I for one don’t see anything happening to change this and I expect things to only get worse. In April 2017 the government are changing Housing Benefit rules meaning that anyone under 35 will only be able to claim “Shared Room Rate” of Housing Benefit and not full Housing Benefit. This will massively impact thousands of people across the UK. People who are under 35 and currently living in council or private accommodation and claiming full Housing Benefit to pay the rent will no longer be entitled and will have to make up an expected £200 a month themselves in order to pay their rent.

The government needs to re think this cruel money saving strategy as the impact on vulnerable people is going to be devastating and will result in higher levels of homelessness.