Young Homeless Team

In an ideal world all young people would be cared for in a loving home environment and have strong family relationships, supporting them while transitioning to adulthood and beyond.  Unfortunately, some young people aged 16-18 years old find themselves homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

A young person cannot feel safe or live with any stability if they do not have a place they can call home. Homelessness can impact on a young person’s physical and mental health, education, employment opportunities and connection to society.   Northern Ireland has a population of ‘hidden homeless’ young people who manage by staying with friends (sofa surfing) or occasionally sleeping rough.

The Northern Trust Homeless Team prioritises the provision of appropriate support through an early assessment of needs and risks to young people who are 16-18 years old and who are homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.  The Team offers a co-ordinated and consistent approach by providing: –

• Advice and guidance to young people and their family
• Support for rehabilitation back home (if appropriate)
• Support to enable young people to remain at home or with other family members
• Support with registration with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive

The Young Homeless Team works in partnership with: –

• The Northern Ireland Housing Executive
• Simon Community (NI)
• Triangle Floating Support
• Supported Accommodation
• Our colleagues in the Northern Trust
• Voluntary and community services
• Other Government Agencies (when appropriate)

Referrals

Referrals to the Young Homeless Team can be made by contacting the Referral Gateway Team in Antrim, or, if it is out of hours, the Regional Emergency Social Work Service.