HARP, South Essex’s leading homelessness charity has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a new action plan to reduce homelessness among young people leaving care, describing it as an important step towards ensuring that no young person is left without a safe and secure place to call home.

The Government’s plans recognise the particular challenges faced by young people transitioning out of the care system and the need for stronger partnerships between housing services, local authorities and support organisations to prevent homelessness before it happens.
HARP, which works to support people experiencing homelessness, including care leavers, believes that young people leaving care deserve the same security, opportunities and support networks that many others take for granted.

Vanessa Hemmings, CEO at HARP, said:
“We welcome this announcement and the recognition that young people leaving care are particularly vulnerable to homelessness and need the right support at a critical point in their lives. Leaving care should be a positive step towards independence and a brighter future, not a transition into uncertainty or homelessness. At HARP, we know that a safe place to call home is the foundation for rebuilding lives and achieving potential. But accommodation alone is not enough. Young people also need stability, practical support and the confidence and skills to live independently.

This announcement is an encouraging step forward, but its success will depend on turning commitments into action. We need early intervention, suitable and affordable accommodation, and sustained support that recognises each young person’s individual needs.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a positive future, and leaving care should never mean facing homelessness.”

HARP believes that preventing homelessness must remain a priority, rather than relying on emergency accommodation and crisis intervention once a young person has already lost their home. To find out more about HARP’s work visit harphomeless.org