Children shown 'stark reality' of homelessness

Island children will be educated about homelessness thanks to a local charity.

Children across the Island are being educated about homelessness thanks to a local charity.

'Housing Matters' uses real-life experiences in the hopes to teach students about homelessness from a young age and expose the stark reality of living without permanent accommodation. 

Despite this year’s two lockdowns, which impacted the charity’s ability to deliver sessions, it was still able to engage with pupils across a number of schools.

The sessions focused on the pandemic and the issues it brought to those without permanent residence.

Katie Farrell, Peer Education Coordinator for Housing Matters says statistics show you are only three pay cheques away from potential homelessness. 

She added: "In a three month lockdown, on a significantly reduced income such as MERA, how do you continue to pay rent and support yourself and your family? These are the messages to get across to young people."

Since Housing Matters launched the Peer Education Programme with Company Dandara’s funding support in 2017, the charity has seen an overall reduction of 26% of under 21s contacting it for advice, housing and other support.