HEALTH FUND

THE PROBLEM

Homeless young people face a range of vulnerabilities that leave them at greater risk of mental health problems compared to their peers with stable housing.

A shocking 80% of homeless people report struggles with mental health, and worryingly, a number of services and support networks have closed down since the start of the pandemic.

Factors such as shame, feeling like a burden and low self-esteem can have a crushing effect on young people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, with 18% admitting to having attempted suicide.

National data also demonstrates the cyclical nature of the issue - 26% of homeless people in the UK cite mental health issues as the reason for becoming homeless.

Our new Health Fund is designed to tackle the mental health crisis amongst homeless young people. 

The Fund will provide vulnerable young people with access to tailored support to help re-build their confidence and self-worth, and enable them to have successful and independent futures.

“Homeless young people have suffered immeasurably from isolation and anxiety. The Health Fund will help homeless young people address these and other issues quickly so they don’t over-shadow their whole lives.

“This support is essential. Existing services are already over-stretched but we know that if young people get the right support at the right time, regardless of their start in life, they have immense potential."

- Nick Connolly, Managing Director of End Youth Homelessness

In addition to raising the funds needed to provide young people with tailored support, our new Health Fund will also have wider economic and societal benefits. 

Pro Bono Economics (PBE) estimates that the Fund could generate almost £1M in economic benefits, One-fifth of the benefits is likely to come from reduced demand on NHS mental health services, while 60% will come from increasing the chances of young people finding employment in more productive roles over their working life. 

Read the report here.

THE BODY SHOP

To help us establish the Health Fund, The Body Shop will be donating 10p from every core 200ml Body Butter purchase between 12th April to 30th September 2021. With the help of their customers, The Body Shop is aiming to reach a £220k target to cover the running costs of the Health Fund in its pilot year.

Money raised will fund the rollout of the fund to five of our Member Charities. We will aim to:

• Support for 230 young people
• Provide 2,760 hours of counselling (£42 provides a young person with an hour of dedicated mental health support in a safe and supportive environment)
• Offer access to a new Health Bursary

Find out more about our partnership with The Body Shop here.