Last year more than 9,000 young people in Scotland were affected by homelessness. Young people account for 1 in 4 of all homelessness applications in the country. But even these figures don’t show the full picture. Many young people are hidden from statistics; sofa surfing, relying on strangers, and living in unsafe situations.

Relationship breakdown remains the single biggest reason a young person finds themselves homeless. But it doesn’t happen in isolation. Youth homelessness is driven by low income, insecure work, rising living costs, poor mental health, and a lack of affordable housing. Young people are doubly disadvantaged because they earn less, have fewer rights in the rental market, and often lack the safety net others take for granted.

For some groups, including those with care experience, LGBTQ+ young people, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people, the risks are even higher

“I didn’t know how to manage my own home. It was just me on my tod, at 16. Just imagine what any other 16-year-old gets to do. Later on, I was in and out of hotels, place to place, my mental health was terrible. My physical health was terrible. It was a lot of back and forth.” Kyle, 19 years old

What we are seeing on the ground

• An increase in young people rough sleeping and sofa surfing
• An increase in young people not being offered temporary accommodation
• More young people experiencing complex mental health issues
• Unaccompanied asylum seeking young people at risk of human trafficking

“Young people are not victims, they are powers to be unleashed. Young people should be offered the opportunity to grow and develop and explore their own potential, including having the freedom to safely make mistakes – this is how we all learn.” Kate Polson, CEO