The hustle and bustle of city life in London can make it simple to overlook the luxury of returning to a comfortable place to rest after a demanding day.

Over the past year (2024 to 2025), more than 118,000 individuals aged 16 to 25 experienced homelessness throughout the United Kingdom.

This translates to approximately one young person every four minutes having to concern themselves with finding a place to sleep for the evening.

These statistics are devastating and as long as social challenges such as youth homelessness continue to exist, the efforts undertaken by organizations like Centrepoint warrant and are worthy of backing.

This March, editors, journalists and additional staff members from Newsquest’s London branch will be spending a night outdoors to bring attention to this matter.

Those taking part will be trading their mattresses for one evening on the ground, with each person collecting donations for the essential services delivered by Centrepoint.

The Sleep Out event does not seek to imitate the experience of homelessness, rather it aims to increase understanding and generate vital funding for this continually significant cause.

Newsquest has teamed up with Centrepoint for the duration of 2026 to assist with their crucial efforts in addressing youth homelessness.

As the nation’s primary organization supporting homeless young people, Centrepoint offers housing, healthcare assistance, career opportunities and additional support throughout the country.

The organization was established by Ken Leech in Soho during December 1969, originally operating as a shelter in the basement of his church to provide homeless young individuals with a secure location to spend the night.

Currently, the organization is projected to assist over 15,000 individuals annually in moving toward greater self-sufficiency.

Through contributions, Centrepoint moves nearer to eliminating youth homelessness.

Should you require assistance or be aware of a young person in need, contact the organization’s helpline at no cost on 0808 800 0661, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.