Birmingham Sees Rise in Complex Youth Homelessness Cases as Winter Approaches
Local charity St Basil warns of growing challenges for young people at risk this winter
Birmingham’s youth homelessness crisis is becoming more complicated, with local charity St Basil reporting an increase in young people facing complex issues alongside the struggle of finding a safe place to stay.
Barrie Hodge from St Basil says, “We are seeing more people coming to us with more complex issues and that is something that is a major concern for us.” He adds that these challenges aren’t limited to the colder months. “There’s no doubt that when the temperatures drop, there’s more focus on people who need support because it can have such an impact. But the truth is, regardless of the temperature, people should not be out on the streets. It’s not safe.”
New data from Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, predicts 3,000 young people in the West Midlands could face homelessness this winter. Across England, the figure is 23,500, with a young person becoming homeless every four minutes. At least one young person a day calls Centrepoint’s helpline after being wrongly turned away by local councils.
Barrie says St Basil’s focus is clear: “We want to continue being there for young people in the West Midlands when they need us the most, especially during these difficult times.”
The reality for many young people in Birmingham is harsh—some are forced to sofa surf, while others wander the streets without safe shelter. Paul Brocklehurst, Senior Manager of the Centrepoint Helpline, says, “Every young person deserves to feel safe in their own home and be able to thrive. But thousands will be reaching out for help this winter because they don’t have that safety or stability.”
To raise awareness, Centrepoint has launched ‘Winter Wanderland’ in London—a powerful installation sharing the stories of young people who have experienced homelessness through the objects that helped them survive. One story is of Jahz, 20, who finds comfort in his collection of teddy bears, symbolizing the resilience of young people facing homelessness.
Locally, St Basil warns that youth homelessness is a year-round crisis, and with cases becoming more complex, the need for ongoing support in Birmingham is urgent.