Housing
Issues
The availability of affordable housing is a key factor affecting young people when they are choosing whether to remain in the rural areas in which they grew up. Recent years have seen significant changes in patterns of demand for rural housing. The image of the rural idyll has led to more people than ever moving to the countryside. Second homes, the effects of tourism and holiday lets, combined with a decline in the availability of private rented housing and social housing make it increasingly difficult for young people to either buy or rent a home.
The issues include inadequate and insecure housing, lack of local provision for emergency facilities, and ‘sofa surfing’. Young people face compounding issues of access to transport, advice and other services. However, there are a number of ways to prevent youth homelessness in rural areas, including family mediation, counselling and support services, peer education and the provision of housing and welfare benefit advice. Young people also need access to personal and social skill development, to improve their employability to increase affordability.
Case studies
We have a number of case studies from our Membership that may be of interest to you. These case studies were produced with the support of the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC).
The Links Project in Hexham is a Foyer providing accommodation and support to young people in rural Northumberland.
Shaid is the Single Homeless Action Initiative in Derwentside, a project that works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or otherwise at risk. It also has a peer support programme called the Shaidy Characters!
Centrepoint is a well-established charity that provides homeless young people with practical and emotional support, including a place to stay and an individual, I.T. based support plan.
The East Cleveland Youth Housing Trust buys and renovates properties, helping young people gain practical skills and employment as well as somewhere affordable to live.
Research
Homeless Link have carried out research with agencies working with homeless people in rural areas.This includes gathering information on barriers rural agencies face, how these barriers are overcome and what support agencies would require from infrastructure organisations.
Foyer have a number of case studies from young people living in Foyers.
