Staff in Havering have been busy connecting with schools and pupils in the borough recently to help give them a better understanding of how homelessness can impact on their lives.

The aim of the project is to catch young people earlier, so that they are more aware of the issues surrounding homelessness as they grow into adulthood.

The team in Havering initially started working with the 16 Schools and 6th Form Colleges in the London Borough of Havering in May this year and has already seen over 200 pupils with some very positive outcomes.

The interactive and informative workshops allowed pupils to increase their understanding of the factors contributing to homelessness. Once explained the reality and statistics around homelessness their original views and opinions markedly changed, they were given information around what actions to take should they or anyone they knew end up in this situation

Positive outcomes...

One young participant commented on the lesson - “I enjoyed learning about how Homeless people recover and how homeless people live on the streets”, whilst another said, “The combination of interactivity and education was great.”

Norma Busby, Service Manager at Havering, said: "The outcomes have been very positive for both teachers and pupils. It's important young people learn how to protect themselves from becoming homeless and where to go if they cannot."