Gravesend woman joins sleep-out for homelessness

Centrepoint aims to end youth homelessness in the UK by 2037

A Kent woman who experienced homelessness as a teenager will join a charity sleep out in London on Friday.

Tish Reynolds from Gravesend will be among dozens spending the night on the floor of Shoreditch's former railway station, now the events venue Kachette, in an event organised by the charity Centrepoint.

Ms Reynolds found herself sleeping in a park at the age of 16 after being evicted from her bedsit.

She said she is taking part in the sleep out "to raise as much awareness as possible, as well as to raise as much money as I can".

Tish said she found herself homeless in the space of 24 hours, despite being in a steady job, but was rescued by a stranger who helped her over the next three months.

She said: "I'm particularly interested in homelessness amongst adolescence after my own experience and believe intervention and support can alter young lives for the better.

"I was fortunate to have the help of a stranger. I believe by being able to participate in this event, I am a stranger hopefully making a difference."

The sleep-out is taking place in Shoreditch's former railway station in Old Street

Centrepoint has set itself the target of ending youth homelessness by 2037, and supports over 16,000 people aged between 16 and 25 each year, helping them find homes and work.

According to it's latest research, family or friends no longer being willing to accommodate was the cause of 50% of youths becoming homeless in the last year.