More than just a safe place to stay

Helping young people escape homelessness means more than just giving them a safe place to stay. St Christopher’s provides a range of support to help young people build confidence, develop skills and access training and employment.

Ross is one of the young people we have supported in this way. When he arrived at our Camden supported housing service for those aged 16 and over, he found it hard to identify the skills he had to offer and struggled with low self-confidence.

Staff held one-to-one meetings with Ross, showing him how his interest in music could be used to access training opportunities. He took part in Life Skills sessions, learning skills for independent living such as cooking, budgeting and preparing for interviews. We also built Ross’s self-confidence by encouraging him to use his organisational skills to plan a barbecue for everyone in the home to enjoy.

Ross and his keyworker preparing for the barbecue

Thanks to his increased confidence and transferable skills, Ross now finds it much easier to engage with training and employment opportunities. Last week he began his studies on an administration skills course.

Sam Olsen, Director of Strategy and Development, said: "St Christopher’s gives young people like Ross so much more than a safe place to stay. Donations from our supporters enable us to run Life Skills workshops and organise social activities like Ross’s barbeque, which allow young people to relax, build friendships and feel welcomed in our homes.”

To read more about how St Christopher’s is supporting young people, visit our website, or make a donation to help us continue our work.