Young people experiencing homelessness talk about mental health at local event

A residential service for young people experiencing homelessness, Crossroads in Accrington, took part in an event at Burnley FC, Thriving and Surviving to raise awareness of how being young and homeless can contribute to poor mental health.

The event, run by the area’s Restart service with Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust and Burnley FC in the community, took place on 10th May. 

Service users as well as a support worker from The Salvation Army’s Crossroads Lifehouse attended to talk to people about their experiences.

Autumn McDermott, 19, is currently living at Crossroads and receiving support. She said: “Attending the Thriving and Surviving event was a rewarding experience and a chance to talk positively about the support I’ve received which has allowed me move forwards in my life.

“It was great to learn more about mental health in general. I’m very lucky to have such a wonderful support worker at Crossroads, Lee.”

Crossroads manned a stand which highlighted some statistics around mental health and homelessness.

As well as providing accommodation for young people experiencing homelessness, The Salvation Army provides a range of support. The church and charity believes that young people, in particular, benefit from the range and breadth of support on offer at Crossroads.

Lee Robinson, support worker at Crossroads, said: “It was wonderful to give our service users a voice, to communicate their unique experiences. At The Salvation Army we believe that each of our service users are individuals with their own specific likes, dislikes and needs. Attending this event ensured other agencies who attended saw our service users as individuals and understood the challenges they face and the best way to support them through these.”

Crossroads, in Accrington, is a residential centre which provides accommodation and support for up to eleven young people at a time aged between 16 and 25.

The church and charity believes providing a bed alone won't go far enough to solve the issues of homelessness. It is an expert in helping people who are experiencing homelessness achieve their goals and employs an experienced and skilled workforce. Staff walk alongside service users giving them support to reach their goal. The Salvation Army will never give up on anyone and will give hope.

The Salvation Army believes in seeing the person, rather than the problem and encourages service users to have confidence that homelessness is not who they are.