Harrogate Borough Council

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YOUTH homelessness is on the increase in Britain with an estimated 246,000 being without homes.  This is also a serious concern in the Harrogate district with Harrogate Borough Council accepting over 160 young people as homeless in the past twelve months.

 

But a new project set up by the council's ARCH mediation service is having an impact.

 

ARCH has set up HowzTalk with the council's housing needs team and is aimed purely at preventing young people from becoming homeless by early intervention and by offering unbiased support.  Its work is the subject of an open day on 15 November to which other agencies, involved with the care of young people, are being invited.

 

Councillor Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing, will be at the open day.  She said:  "HowzTalk is working because we look at things from both the young person's point of view as well as their parents.  As well as being contacted directly by families in trouble, we are also seeing referrals from other agencies like social services and voluntary organisations. They can see the value of getting us onboard as soon as possible and before things spiral out of control and result in another young homeless person.  We can also help to make sure that if a 16 or 17 year old does leave home that they do not subsequently become totally adrift from their families."

 

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY :  The event will be opened at 2.00 pm on

15 November at Knaresborough House, Knaresborough by Councillor Jean Butterfield.  ENDS