The Somerset Council has a 2025-2030 strategy in place to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, which states it’s multi agency approach and vision that ‘By 2030 all elements of local government, in partnership with the voluntary sector, business and wider society, will be working together to ensure that everyone in Somerset has access to secure and suitable housing with appropriate support so that no-one should have to experience homelessness or rough sleeping again’ (Appendix A – Somerset Homelessness Rough Sleeper Strategy 2025-2030.pdf).
Whilst this states it’s longer term aim of providing shelter and support, Noah thinks about the safety and wellbeing of those people right now, at the coldest and wettest time of year!
This Winter, whilst it is cold, some young people face the challenge of sleeping on the streets, reports confirming that a large portion of homeless people are young adults and that there is a significant youth homelessness crisis in Somerset, while many other young people have severe housing instability.
For those sleeping in the cold it is a risk to life. We need to not judge these people and give them help when they need and want it. If we work together, we can fight this!
What do you think we can do to help young people at their most vulnerable physically, mentally and emotionally who are sleeping rough?
There are various local charities who take donations, but you could also volunteer to help or learn more, such as
Crisis – Campaign to end homelessness | Crisis UK
Shelter – Support us – Shelter England
And the Council has a referral system, to help those at risk – Homelessness referral and assessment
Noah
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
