{"id":56445,"date":"2020-12-18T09:31:06","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T09:31:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/?p=56445"},"modified":"2020-12-18T12:24:58","modified_gmt":"2020-12-18T12:24:58","slug":"hidden-homelessness-rises-in-wales-as-the-pandemic-leaves-people-with-no-place-to-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2020\/12\/18\/hidden-homelessness-rises-in-wales-as-the-pandemic-leaves-people-with-no-place-to-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden homelessness rises in Wales as the pandemic leaves people with no place to go"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Homelessness is not simply sleeping on the streets, but the restrictions of the pandemic have brought to the surface many people who now desperately need help finding somewhere to call home<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"young boy under a flyover with a backpack\" class=\"wp-image-56446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-770x385.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1366x683.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-585x293.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1170x585.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-293x147.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1400x700.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"young boy under a flyover with a backpack\" class=\"wp-image-56446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-770x385.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1366x683.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-585x293.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1170x585.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-293x147.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Head-in-hands-1400x700.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>The pandemic has given those who find themselves homeless nowhere to go<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">T<\/span>he pandemic has instilled fear throughout the country with strict instruction to stay home and save lives. But for too many, staying home may not be safe or even an option. With household restrictions, they resort to homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One young man, for whom this was reality, told homeless charity Llamau, \u201cWhat scared me the most was knowing that the world was being broken by this nasty virus, and I was completely alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With increased pressure on households, families and finances, Welsh government <a href=\"https:\/\/gov.wales\/welsh-government-announce-new-20-million-fund-transform-homelessness-services\">funding<\/a> has helped to house most known homeless people during the pandemic, ensuring no-one sleeps rough. However, therein lies an issue: the word known.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Numbers <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">aren&#8217;t<\/span> everything<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The latest official count by housing charity Shelter implies a few hundred thousand people in Britain are homeless: 280,000 of those in England. For Wales, the national statistics show nearly 10,000 were threatened with homelessness. In Cardiff alone, the number of people facing this is over 2,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though these figures are shocking, they are under-representative of the true scale. Research published by UK charity Crisis estimated 62 percent of homeless individuals and families are unaccounted for in official statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is known as hidden homelessness and most commonly describes someone who is homeless but finds a temporary, informal solution, for example, sofa surfing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The level of hidden homelessness in Wales is difficult to gauge because, as the name suggests, they are hidden. However, reports show that since the pandemic hit, the number of people reaching out for help has increased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ailidh Durie, a manager at Cardiff&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2020\/11\/18\/temporary-housing-units-for-homeless-families-to-be-built-at-former-gasworks\/\">Housing<\/a> Options Centre &#8211; which offers not only accommodation but wrap-around support for the homeless \u2013 explained how she has seen more hidden homeless come to their service lately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She says, \u201cThose people who would be quite transient moving between different homes are struggling as people aren\u2019t having them in their homes anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before Covid-19, the Welsh government were aware of this type of homelessness, and in partnership with <a href=\"https:\/\/sheltercymru.org.uk\/hiddenhomelessness\/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8dH-BRD_ARIsAC24umamyNuHi1mIa7OnE95vUD17vzESdaZhRJCxSLLCpSvX_xGqtlKMuc0aAhPWEALw_wcB\">Shelter Cymru<\/a>, are launching a digital <a href=\"https:\/\/gov.wales\/homelessness-doesnt-always-live-streets-major-new-campaign-launched-tackle-hidden-homelessness\">campaign<\/a> to raise awareness of this hidden crisis. Targeting young people, the campaign will advise those who are in contact with, or are themselves at risk of homelessness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"orange sleeping bag on a grey sofa\" class=\"wp-image-56447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-770x385.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1366x683.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-585x293.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1170x585.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-293x147.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1400x700.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"orange sleeping bag on a grey sofa\" class=\"wp-image-56447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-770x385.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1366x683.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-585x293.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1170x585.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-293x147.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Sleeping-bag-1400x700.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Sofa surfing is the most common form of hidden homelessness young people face<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">Reasons <\/span><span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">young people may face homelessnes<\/span><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">s<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Rising tensions at home<\/li><li>Financial issues: young people, because of the pandemic, may not be able to pay their rent &#8211; specifically to family or friends<\/li><li>Mental health issues: young people may have struggled to continue their education at home or on a part time basis, resulting in them dropping out and secluding themselves. <\/li><li> Covid-19 safety concerns<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">Signs <\/span><span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">to look out for as stated by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-wales-50983244\">BBC<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Difficulties with parental and close family relationships<\/li><li>Reluctance to go home<\/li><li>Keeping belongings with them and difficulty keeping clothes clean<\/li><li>Asking for help with money and using food banks<\/li><li>Loss of job<\/li><li>Mental or physical health problems<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The first step to <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">ending <\/span><span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">homelessness<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to end homelessness is by preventing it. For this to happen, youth homelessness must be tackled first, Welsh charities say.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cardiff Council member for housing and communities Lynda Thorne explains, \u201cOften [it starts] with young, single people falling out with their families, leaving and staying with friends. That situation then grows and gets worse as they get older.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Family breakdown remains one of the main causes of homelessness in Wales, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.llamau.org.uk\">Llamau<\/a>, which specialises in ending youth homelessness, is devasted by the recent increase in cases due to the pandemic. They saw a \u201cstaggering\u201d rise of 150 percent in calls to their helpline because sofa-surfing was no longer an option; home may be unsafe or family life too hard.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They said, \u201cWe\u2019ve taken calls directly from frightened young people facing a cold night on the streets to parents who are desperate to find alternative accommodation for their son or daughter because their relationship is on the verge of breaking down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Out of 150,000 under-25s threatened with homelessness every year in the UK, 7,000 of these who ask for help are in Wales.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf we can address youth homelessness,&#8221; says Cllr Thorne, &#8220;we can start to stem the tide.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>They&#8217;re often left with no choice but to make impulsive and potentially dangerous decisions about where to sleep each night<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Defining <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">hidden<\/span> homelessness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Homelessness is not solved simply by putting a roof over the heads of those in danger of it, authorities and charities point out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of sleeping on the streets, many people who face homelessness from situations like relationship breakdowns turn to sofas, floors or strangers. They may resort to living in cars, unsuitable or overcrowded accommodation or hostels. But because of the fear of the virus, even these places are no longer an option. So, they have no safe place to call home. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey&#8217;re often left with no choice but to make impulsive and potentially dangerous decisions about where to sleep each night,\u201d Llamau adds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHomelessness doesn\u2019t always live on the streets,&#8221; states the government campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But many people in this situation do not recognise themselves as homeless and are either unaware to ask for help or afraid to do so.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>What scared me the most was knowing that the world was being broken by this nasty virus and I was completely alone.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"Hidden homelessness: the invisible crisis and what it means\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_jp4C4m5phI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"Hidden homelessness: the invisible crisis and what it means\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_jp4C4m5phI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><figcaption>Hidden homelessness is a crisis that many of us are unaware is happening. The pandemic has brought to the surface the hidden homeless who, for many reasons, have no safe place to go.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Shining a <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">light<\/span> on what&#8217;s hidden<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Hidden homelessness is a large issue because of its invisibility, and between August and September, authorities saw an increase in the need for emergency and temporary accommodation, with many still on the waiting list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, recent national statistics indicate 67 percent of households in Wales threatened with homelessness were successfully prevented this year \u2013 with 80 percent in Cardiff, says Lynda.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What Cardiff Council and charities like Llamau are doing is working with and giving a safe space to people who reach out to talk about their problems, offering them wrap-around support before it\u2019s too late. This, and finding the right accommodation for them will give stability and a secure place they are happy to call home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGiving them a little bit of control over their home is a small thing for us but a big thing for them,\u201d says Ailidh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone has the right to a home, and if there are people who don\u2019t have homes, that\u2019s a problem, she explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the exact number of those affected is unknown, highlighting what hidden homelessness is will bring more people who need help to the forefront.&nbsp;With help from the government campaign (which officially starts January 2021), more people will know the signs to help prevent hidden homelessness and eliminate it being the only option.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:45% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56741 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-585x585.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56741 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2020\/12\/Llamau-image-585x585.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">Liam&#8217;s Story<\/span> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Liam was kicked out by his father and step-mother when he was 15 years old after finding it hard to live together. He slept on his cousin&#8217;s sofa for a few nights before moving to his sister&#8217;s house. After a falling out with his sister, Liam then had to move on and went to live with a friend for a number of nights. He then contacted the council for help who placed him in a hostel, before eventually getting in touch with Llamau. The staff at Llamau helped place Liam in a house with support workers and now, he has his own place and is reconnecting with his dad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">He said, &#8220;I\u2019d say the future is looking good so far.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">(photo and case study courtesy of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.llamau.org.uk\/blog\/liams-story\">Llamau<\/a>) <\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How and where to get help<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Llamau<\/span>: Welsh organisation and charity that specialises in the prevention and to eradicate&nbsp;homelessness for young people and vulnerable women.&nbsp;<\/li><li><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Family Mediation<\/span> \u2013 Llamau works with young people and their families to work through&nbsp;relationship issues and ensure they can continue to live at home&nbsp;<\/li><li><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Shelter Cymru<\/span>: Wales based housing charity who help&nbsp;people in need of housing across&nbsp;Wales and to prevent people from losing their homes by offering free, confidential and independent advice<\/li><li><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Cardiff Council<\/span> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cardiff.gov.uk\/ENG\/resident\/Housing\/homelessness\/housing-options-centre\/Pages\/default.aspx\">Housing Options Centre<\/a> in Cardiff is part of Cardiff Council and helps those who are street homeless, sofa surfing, losing their family or rented home or at risk of having their home repossessed with wrap-around support for mental health, physically health and housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cardifffamilies.co.uk\/cardiff-family-gateway\/\">Cardiff Family Gateway<\/a> &#8211; This is a free service run by Cardiff Council for families who find themselves at cross-roads or at risk of homelessness<em>.<\/em>&nbsp;This organisation offers support, advice and assistance to families at risk of a breakdown in relationships.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color\">Luke&#8217;s story<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"Luke&#039;s Story\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dVoqAoHYP7o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"Luke&#039;s Story\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dVoqAoHYP7o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><figcaption>WARNING: This video contains references to suicide. This is Luke&#8217;s story. Llamau helped him get back on his feet after he was forced into homelessness following a family breakdown (Credit: Welsh homeless charity Llamau website and YouTube channel)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Homelessness is not simply sleeping on the streets. 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