News / Caring in Bristol
Caring in Bristol seeks to open city’s only emergency youth shelter
Charity bosses are seeking to open an emergency shelter for young people in Bristol amid a worrying rise in the numbers facing homelessness.
The directors of Caring in Bristol have written to landlords and letting agents in a bid to find a four-bedroom property that could provide a much-needed safe space for those under the age of 25 with no other options.
The emergency accommodation would be the only one of its kind in the city as the charity works to meet increasing need and innovate to tackle the additional challenges posed by the pandemic.
is needed now More than ever
“We are currently witnessing a rise in those under 25 needing a safe space to sleep at night when there are no other options available to them,” explains Ben Richardson, the director of Caring in Bristol.
“It is imperative we work alongside our community to provide this safety net for valuable younger members of our society, a city-centre space, managed by us, is an effective way to create immediate impact and long-term change. We have written to landlords, letting agencies and property owners as a way of starting an open dialogue about how we can work together to solve homelessness.”
National youth homelessness charity Centrepoint has reported a 36 per cent increase in young people seeking support since lockdown began, while in Bristol, the average number of under 25s facing homelessness has risen from 7.1 to 9.6 in 2020 alone.
Caring in Bristol says traditional night shelters available for young people have relied on a network of volunteer hosts providing spare bedrooms and dormitory-style shelters, a system that is not viable during the pandemic.
The charity would be the sole tenant of the property to be used as an emergency shelter and is guaranteeing reliable rent, maintenance, health and safety and open communication with the property owner and managers. Those seeking sanctuary in the shelter will always be accompanied by two trained adults offering 24/7 housing and wellbeing support.
Traditional night shelters available for young people have relied on a network of volunteer hosts or dorm-style shelter – photo © Khali Ackford / KōLAB Studios/ Caring in Bristol
Antonia Cross, Caring in Bristol’s campaigns and communications manager, says: “It’s important for us to flip the switch for local charities like us to be seen as needed, not needy. We’re forward thinking, proactive and incredibly motivated to solve homelessness.
“It is vital for us to stick to our values, collaborate with our city, and make decisions that put people first and focus on the end goal. We want the day to come where Bristol has solved homelessness and we can rest. It’s important that the Bristol public know that this day will come if we continue making smart decisions about how to support people.”
Bristol24/7 is supporting the work of Caring in Bristol over the coming months with a package of free marketing and advertising, worth £2,500.
Managing Director Ben Wright explains it is usually difficult to decide which local charity or organisation to support but, having consulted with Better Business members in December, Caring in Bristol was seen as a stand out choice.
“We have worked with Caring in Bristol in the past as they support some of the city’s most vulnerable residents and we’re delighted to be able to use our platforms to further raise awareness through this scheme when their work is more acutely needed than ever,” says Ben.
Main photo © Khali Ackford / KōLAB Studios/ Caring in Bristol
Read more: Worrying rise of ‘hidden homelessness’ in Bristol
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