In October 1998 local agencies in Sheffield estimated that more than 1,500 young people between 14 and 25 were homeless. A massive 35% were under 18.
| I go to the council every Friday. They say come back next week. |
'Peter' has been on the streets for three years and once again is experiencing change with his living arrangements. 'I've been staying with this kid I met about a week ago who's got a flat. I've stayed with him for the last few nights but he disappeared last night and I don't know where he's gone. It looks like I'11 be out sleeping rough again tonight' .
Children's Express (CE): How did you become homeless?
Peter: I was in a kids' home from six until sixteen. I left care of my own accord so they didn't find me anywhere to live. I thought I had somewhere, but it turned out I didn't.
CE: Could you describe your typical day?
Peter: I get up and go for my breakfast at the cathedral because its free. Then I go straight down to my pitch and start begging. I beg until 5pm and then I walk about for the rest of the evening.
CE: How do you feel when people look at you?
Peter: Degraded and shameful.
CE: What's the youngest person you've ever met sleeping rough?
Peter: Eleven or twelve, he's still sleeping rough now.
CE: Do you ever get moved on or hassled by the authorities?
Peter: I've been arrested, put up in court and fined.
CE: How did you pay your fine?
Peter: I didn't. They're probably looking for me now, but I can't afford to pay.
Structural issues hinder rather than help the younger age range. For example, local authorities often withhold housing from under-18s and vacant houses are deemed unsuitable for single occupancy. The result?
Young people get stuck yo-yoing between sources of support, as Peter knows: 'I had an interview with the YMCA but I didn't get in. You've got to know someone and you've got to have a reference. I didn't know anybody in there. So I go to the council every Friday. They say come back next week. I've been going to the council for four or five months'.
About the team
This article was produced by editor Sara Hawkins, aged 14 and reporters Davina McDowell 13, Shefina Coke, Katie Duckenfield and Tara Aston, all aged 12. It appeared in Young Peoples Health Network, a Health Education Authority publication.
