A year ago, Lewis* was “in a very bad place”, struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
A year ago, Lewis* was “in a very bad place”. Recently discharged from a mental health facility for the second time, he had been “put in a taxi and left at a house in the back of beyond”.
At 20 in late 2024, he was alone, struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
Lewis* shared his story this Homelessness Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, December 7, and brings together charities, policymakers, and statutory organisations, including the Housing Executive and local communities, to advocate for the person-centred long term solutions needed to end homelessness.
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The focus of Homelessness Awareness Week this year is to turn attention toward the human cost of homelessness. Homeless Connect is urging the public to look beyond the statistics and ‘See The Person’ as they join with organisations across Northern Ireland’s homelessness sector to shine a light on the real, human impact of homelessness.
The theme is challenging compassion fatigue and seeking the common humanity in us all as the number of people at risk of or experiencing homelessness continues to climb in Northern Ireland.
Sharing his own experience, Lewis* said: “I had very little contact with anyone – I was basically left to get on with it. Thankfully, I did have two friends who had both received support from Action for Children in the past and one of them begged me to reach out to the Sperrin and Lakeland Floating Support Team.”
Lewis* made the difficult call and was quickly allocated a Young Person’s Practitioner, Fran who said: “It can be intimidating for a young person to have a stranger arrive at their door asking personal questions, so I try hard to keep the atmosphere relaxed and just meet the person ‘where they’re at’.”
Over months, Fran and Lewis worked closely to address his challenges. Lewis is now in new accommodation and has returned to employment: “It’s only been a short time. But it’s amazing what can change when you really engage and have the right support around you.
“This time last year I didn’t care what happened to me. Now, thanks to the help I’ve had from Action for Children I’m happy and functioning well in society.”
He added: “I want to be a voice for other young people who find themselves in situations they never thought possible. The theme for Homeless Awareness Week this year is ‘See the Person’, which is so powerful. Homelessness is not black and white, it could happen to anyone.”
Recent figures underline the severity of our housing and homelessness crisis. This number has risen by 135% over the decade to 32,159 on 30th June this year.
Nicola McCrudden, Chief Executive of Homeless Connect says behind every statistic is a human being: “From a child doing their homework in crisis accommodation to a parent waiting years for a safe and secure home to raise their family, to a young adult sleeping sofa surfing after ageing out of care, ‘See the Person’ reminds us that homelessness isn’t just about numbers – it’s about neighbours – and that homelessness impacts on our friends, families and communities.”
Joining with Action for Children, a charity that protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning for lasting improvements for their lives, Homeless Connect and the team at Action for Children in Northern Ireland are working especially to raise awareness of the impact homelessness can have on children and young people and the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those who may find themselves homeless.
Lorna Ballard, National Director at Action for Children in Northern Ireland said: “Every year we help around 15,000 babies, children, young people and families across Northern Ireland. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but homelessness doesn’t discriminate – it really can happen to anyone.
“Our Sperrin and Lakeland Floating Support Service and Rossorry Grove accommodation in Enniskillen are lifelines for young people at risk of homelessness. Seeing what a huge difference the right wraparound support can make to young people is amazing and makes our job so worthwhile.”
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