Simon Kirby

Recent figures showing the number of homeless teenagers in Brighton and Hove has fallen by 80%, from 78 in 2005/06 to 16 this year.

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said:
“Whilst one homeless teenager is one too many, I am delighted that the level of youth homelessness in our city is much improved. This is testament to the work being done to tackle the underlying causes of youth homelessness such as mental illness, drugs or alcohol dependency, as well as family breakdown.

“You do not have to be living on the streets to be classed as homeless; you may be legally classed as homeless if you are sleeping on a friend's sofa, staying in a hostel, or suffering from overcrowding or other bad conditions.”  

"Homelessness can often be avoided if people act quickly and get the right advice."

Anyone who is concerned about their housing situation and fears they are, or may become, homeless should contact Shelter on 0808 800 4444.