Brighton charity warns over rise in young homeless people

A homeless charity in Brighton said the number of young people needing help has tripled in the past two years.

The Clock Tower Sanctuary, a day centre for 16 to 25 year olds, is now helping about 120 people a month, compared to 40 two years ago.

Kate Gibson, development manager at the centre, said the current rate of homelessness in young people is the worst she has ever experienced.

"It's put our service under enormous pressure," she said.

'Family breakdown'

Brighton has traditionally been a popular place for homeless people in the summer, but according to Ms Gibson, this has changed lately.

"This year the peaks that we've seen have been consistent throughout the year," she said.

"The main reason for young people becoming homeless is always family breakdown.

"It's quite possible that given families are more stretched at the moment financially, that's causing more stress at home and more young people are being forced to leave."