St Christopher's Homeless Intervention Project works with schools and local authorities to help young people understand the realities of homelessness and independent living. By sharing experiences and improving awareness of support services, we help to reduce the number of young people leaving home before they are ready.
The service offers schools peer-led education sessions, which are designed to fit within the PSHE (Personal Social Health and Ecomonic education) and Citizenship curricula. These sessions are shaped and delivered by young people aged 16-24 who have experienced housing problems first hand. Many of these young people have slept rough or spent time in hostels, many are still moving through the housing system.
"I believe that your work has enabled students to make informed and mature decisions about their housing, and has prevented cases of homelessness amongst our young people." Teacher, Greenwich.
Using a variety of teaching methods, including group work exercises, presentations and video demonstrations, these young people share their experiences, challenging young people’s misconceptions about what it is really like to leave home and live away from parents and families.
While each session is designed by the peer educators after they have received extensive training, common themes include:
- The problems associated with living on a low income
- The realities of shared accommodation
- The impact and consequences of behaviour that can lead to homelessness
- Dealing with conflict at home
- Accessing support
The service delivers sessions to over 3,500 young people each year.
Recent feedback from schools we have visited:
"It was an excellent session: the delivery was engaging and thought-provoking. Pupils were challenged and encouraged to think about very important issues." Teacher, Lewisham.
"...it was really good and I understand a lot, and I need to think how I'm going to cope before leaving home." Pupil, Lewisham.
"Your sessions have shown our young people that it's tough to get housing and to manage your own finances. Your presentations are delivered in a way that is accessible to all our students regardless of age, ability, language and so on." Teacher, Greenwich.
We work in partnership with local authorities, with coordination from the South East London Housing Partnership (SELHP) and are jointly funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the London Boroughs of Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark.
We are looking for motivated, reliable young people in South London who have experienced housing problems to become part of our peer education team. If you, or a young person you are working with, would like to be part of this exciting project please contact us on 0208 858 2780 or email hip@stchris.org.uk.
If you are interested in commissioning St Christopher's services call 0208 780 7800 and ask for the Director of Operations or Chief Executive.