Raising Youth Homelessness at Westminster: National Roundtable with Florence Eshalomi MP

Posted: 23 July 2025 9:43 am.

We were pleased to represent Stepping Stone Projects at a national roundtable on youth homelessness, hosted by Florence Eshalomi MP, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, on the 14 July in London.

The event brought together members of the Youth Chapter Collective for a focused discussion on the urgent need for youth-specific action within the Government’s homelessness strategy. Representing Stepping Stone Projects was Andy Gundry, Assistant Director of Operations (Young People’s Services), who contributed valuable insights from our work supporting care leavers, young people at risk of homelessness, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

This was a unique opportunity to raise the voices of young people affected by homelessness, particularly as SSP was the only organisation from the North of England present. Discussions highlighted the need for tailored support that recognises the distinct causes of youth homelessness, including limited access to secure housing, mental health challenges, and the lack of family support many young people face.

Florence Eshalomi acknowledged the scale of the crisis and stressed the importance of affordable, adaptable, and secure housing. Encouragingly, she followed through by raising the issues discussed in Parliament that same day, referencing the estimated £8.5 billion annual cost of youth homelessness.

The group also agreed to send a formal letter to Florence, who has committed to taking the concerns forward to the Deputy Prime Minister. With the Government’s cross-departmental homelessness strategy still in development, this conversation was timely and impactful.

As we continue to deliver and strengthen services for young people, we are proud to contribute to national advocacy efforts that aim to shape long-term solutions, and grateful to our partners for supporting this vital work.

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