Youth Homeless Parliament Square

More than 100 current or formerly homeless young people attended Parliament to debate housing and youth issues with Government (Tuesday 15 March).

The group of young people were taking part within the Youth Homeless Parliament, which is funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and facilitated by a number of charities, including YMCA England, Crisis, Depaul, St Mungo’s, Centrepoint and St Basils.

Issues raised with the Homelessness Minister, Marcus Jones MP, included questions around high rents and letting agency fees for young people leaving homelessness services and the level of apprenticeship wages.

In total, 20 YMCA young people took part in the event from YMCA Black Country, Southend YMCA, East Herts YMCA, YMCA East London, YMCA Exeter, YMCA Fairthorne Group, Wellington YMCA, YMCA North Staffordshire and YMCA Bedfordshire.

Young person, Sherelle, from YMCA Black Country, said: “I found the day to be inspiring and eye opening; it made me more confident and I am glad I went.

“It motivated me even more, to stay on track and be successful. People came up to me and told me how my story helped them and that was my most fulfilling part – that my story helped others.”

Denise Hatton, YMCA England Chief Executive, said: “We believe young people have a big role to play in democracy and, by being involved in events such as the Youth Homeless Parliament, they are able to experience and influence real political debate.

“This is the fourth time we’ve had young people represent YMCA in these debates and it gives those with a lived experience of homelessness a chance to have their voices listened to.

“Young people have the longest to live with the decisions made by Government and it is only right that they are able to have their say on what matters most and what will make a difference to their lives.”

For more information on the Youth Homeless Parliament visit the website.

Ends

For more information or to request an interview with a YMCA representative, please contact Andrew Mortimer, Communications Manager, at andrew.mortimer@england.ymca.org.uk or call 020 7186 9543.

Notes to editors​

  • Founded in 1844, YMCA in England is made up of 114 member YMCAs working to ensure that young people have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
  • YMCA operates in over 530 different communities in England impacting upon the lives of over 600,000 people every year.
  • YMCAs provide almost 10,000 beds for young people every night. YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of safe, supported accommodation for young men and women.
  • YMCA enables nearly 43,000 people every year to engage in education, skills and training to enable them to improve their opportunities in the job market.
  • YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of health and wellbeing services promoting physical activity.