Recent reporting suggested that youth homelessness in Basingstoke and Deane has fallen significantly over the past year, appearing to buck the wider national trend. While the figures may look encouraging at first glance, the experience on the ground tells a more complex story.
Josh, YMCA Fairthorne Group’s Director of Youth Services, explains that the reality locally does not necessarily reflect the reduction reported in the data.
“Whilst fewer people may be presenting themselves to the local authority for statutory housing support, that’s not what we’re seeing on the ground,” he says.
At Basingstoke YMCA, young people can refer themselves directly for support rather than being referred by the local authority. Demand for these services remains high. The current waiting list sits at around 70 young people, representing roughly 84% of the centre’s current occupancy capacity.
For Josh, this highlights how headline statistics do not always capture the full picture of youth homelessness within a community.
One factor that may have influenced the local figures is a recent temporary closure of a housing service in Basingstoke. This required organisations across the area to work closely together to ensure the young people living there could be rehoused safely.
“In Basingstoke we have something called the Social Inclusion Partnership, which I represent YMCA Fairthorne Group at,” Josh explains. “It helps build stronger relationships between organisations. While individual cases aren’t discussed, it allows services to connect and work together more effectively when challenges arise.”
Partnership working plays an important role in supporting young people who are facing housing insecurity. However, the wider pressures affecting families and individuals remain significant.
The ongoing cost of living continues to place strain on households, particularly those already struggling to meet basic needs. Rising fuel prices linked to global conflicts are expected to add further pressure in the months ahead. At the same time, the wider housing crisis means demand for accommodation continues to exceed what is available.
Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight alone, more than 30,000 households are currently waiting for housing, illustrating the scale of the challenge.
Despite these pressures, the work taking place within YMCA Fairthorne Group remains focused on helping young people move forward with confidence and stability.
“Youth homelessness is still a real issue that society faces and we have a role to play in supporting those who are experiencing it,” Josh says.
Providing accommodation is only one part of that support. The longer-term aim is to help young people develop the skills, confidence and experiences needed to live independently once they move on.
Behind every space offered, every conversation held and every step forward taken is the dedication of our people. Across our services, it is the heart and soul of our teams, delivered with unwavering compassion and determination to help young people rebuild their confidence, stability and independence – that continues to make the difference for those who need it most.
