About Breathing Space
Breathing Space Lancashire is here to help young people aged 14-25 who are at risk of homelessness. The project provides the best advice, guidance and signposting to young people, their friends and families so that together we can keep young people safe. In addition, through us you can access mediation and counselling to support and prevent the breakdown of relationships between young people and their families at home.
Breathing Space Lancashire is one of the Homelessness Prevention Trailblazer Pilots, a government funded initiative running nationally and funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. We are working in partnership across East Lancashire to share resources and support activity to prevent youth homelessness across the districts of Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Hyndburn, the Ribble Valley and Blackburn with Darwen.
Our aim is to prevent homelessness and work together to end youth homelessness in our communities.
About Youth Homelessness
Homelessness is caused by a complex range of factors. There is growing evidence that suggests a strong link between adverse childhood experiences and future homelessness.
We know that certain life events can trigger and increase the risk of a homeless crisis. These events could include:
•Becoming a young parent/an unexpected pregnancy
•Relationship breakdown with family and friends
•Redundancy and financial hardship
•Being a victim of domestic violence
•Mental health problems
•Drug and alcohol problems
Our aim is to intervene to help young people before they become homeless by engaging with them earlier, and helping them to navigate their situations without them leaving the family home unless they absolutely have to. This helps to keep families together and young people safe.
We work with numerous charities on the ground to offer mediation, counselling, advice, guidance, emergency accommodation and ongoing supported accommodation.
Factors that cause homelessness in Lancashire
In Lancashire, we have the following housing concerns that can lead to people being vulnerably housed or homeless:
•High private sector rents and landlord bias towards fully employed and professional tenants
•Shortage of shared accommodation for single and young people
•Shortage of social housing versus demand for housing
•High levels of deprivation accompanied by seasonal work and zero hours contracts
All of these factors can contribute to homelessness and we work with professionals across education, health, local government and the third sector to try and recognise young people who are struggling, and put support in place to help to prevent homelessness before it happens.
If you know of a young person who is at risk of homelessness, please contact us and we will give you whatever advice and help we can.
