City hosts forum on homelessness

Oct 19 2007 By Catherine Lillington, Birmingham Mail

YOUNGSTERS shared their experiences of life on Birmingham's strees at the first national homelessness conference of its kind.

More than 100 delegates who work with young homeless people went along to the event, hosted by the St Basils charity, at Aston University yesterday.

Vicki Roberts, chair of its Youth Advisory Board, told them: "This conference is a perfect opportunity for you to hear what young people have to say on issues relating to youth homelessness.

"What works, what doesn't work, opportunities, threats, barriers and the way forward will be illustrated.

"We hope you can all take away one action that will help shape services for young people that will make a real difference in preventing youth homelessness and improve the life chances for thousands of young people."

Interactive workshops were led by young people on subjects including raising aspirations, life skills and schools work.

Speakers included Terrie Alafat director of the Housing Strategy and Support Directorate, at the Department for Communities and Local Government and Amy Butterworth, from Forum Housing Association, based in Merseyside.

The National Youth Homelessness Scheme's website was also launched at the conference, which was organised in partnership with Homeless Link.

Jean Templeton, chief executive of the charity, said: "Young people who have experience of being homeless are using that to tell professionals what works and what doesn't."

Ms Alafat said: "Stopping young people becoming homeless is something the Government and our ministers feel very strongly about.

"It has no place in today's society. The fact young people can face homelessness is a sign things haven't gone right and is also a sign for us services aren't working."