Our Charity of the Year – Herts Young Homeless

Prevention Education
The first stage in preventing youth homelessness is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to avert a crisis. HYH offer sessions to students within the county that focus on the topics of homelessness, leaving home, anger management, independent living, managing conflict and healthy relationships. Sessions are interactive, engaging and fun whilst being carefully tailored and structured to complement the PSHE/RSHE curriculum, as well as school and student need.

“I have learnt how hard it is to be homeless and how it is important to reach out when you feel concerned rather than after the crisis.” – Watford Girls School student

HYH run a confidential and impartial mediation service for young people and their families where conflict is causing difficulty. Family breakdown is the single biggest cause of youth homelessness, so HYH work hard to strengthen family relationships.

HYH mediators offer fair and unbiased support to help families recognise for themselves what issues need to be resolved and help them move forward in a way that feels fair and practical to everyone involved, resulting in fewer arguments and improved family relationships.

What kind of challenges can mediation help solve?
• Breakdown in communication between parents/carers and young person
• Conflict between family members about boundaries
• Arguments leading to young people being ‘kicked out’ of home
• Heightened emotions leading to conflict
• Arguments between young people and step-parents

HYH Mediation Statistics
• In 2025, 146 families supported
• For under 16’s, 93% remained or returned home

HYH Hub
A single point of contact to access Homeless Prevention Services in Hertfordshire. This preventative, solution-focused service provides:

• An access point for support and advice for 16 & 17 year-olds in housing need.

• A resource for young people, families and carers, and professionals to access homeless prevention services.

• An assessment of needs and guidance on realistic housing options.

• Access to signposting and referrals to support agencies.

• Referral into Crashpad hostel bed spaces – depending on availability.

The hub acts as a ‘front door’ to homeless prevention services in Hertfordshire. The hub prioritises 16 & 17 year-olds and works intensively with them as well as their families/carers in order to prevent homelessness. The hub assesses and prioritises referrals depending on the situation.

Advice Line

Available via live chat, phone or email, this advice line is for 18-24 year-olds who need guidance on housing-related issues. Experienced advisors are available to talk about housing options, money advice, benefits information and much more.

Advisors are also able to signpost individuals to other agencies or services that may be able to help.

Outreach Housing Support

Funded by Hertfordshire County Council, housing related support is offered to 18-24 year-olds who are homeless or are in accommodation and are
at risk of homelessness. A priority group for this service is care-experienced young people.

Examples of the support provided include:

• General tenancy sustainment
• Independent living skills
• Finding suitable accommodation
• Income / budgeting/debt advice
• Education and training
• Co-ordinating plans with relevant partner agencies ensuring all support needs are met

HYH also have an Intensive Outreach Service which is specifically designed for those care experienced young people who require more in-depth support.

2025 Outreach Support Statistics
• 181 Referrals
• 90% of evictions avoided
• 85% improvement in management of rent payments

In partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, HYH have transformed a 5-bedroom house into a space that houses and supports young people by providing a stepping stone from supported accommodation into independent living. At future roots, HYH provide practical support to help housemates achieve financial stability and the necessary level of confidence and maturity that they need to live independently.

The programme of support includes:

-Starting Careers: Helping build CV’s, set goals, and explore opportunities in education, training, and employment.

-Relating to People: Learn how to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and build a positive support network.

-Being Healthy: Understand mental health, build resilience, and explore how physical health supports emotional wellbeing.

-Building a Home: Learn how to manage a tenancy, look after their own space, and prepare for their own home.

-Managing Money: From budgeting to bills – understanding rent, income, and financial planning.

HYH recognise that each individual has areas of their lives that they still need support with. These needs vary from person to person. Support Workers assist each housemate to identify these areas, along with the support needed, so that they can build the necessary skills to take the next steps towards successful independent living.

After successful completion of the programme of support, housemates can access a deposit for private rented accommodation using funds provided by Friends of HYH. All housemates moving-on receive continued outreach support, ensuring a smooth transition into independent living.