Prevention through social participation

Initiated by the British charity Centrepoint, Upstream England leverages social participation to bring about prevention of young people experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’. The aim is thus to prevent youth homelessness before it develops. Building on the successful Australian ‘Geelong Project’, Upstream is the first early intervention programme of its kind in the United Kingdom.

It focuses on secondary school students who are at increased risk of homelessness due to poverty, family stress or difficult childhood experiences. Via an annual digital survey on well-being, relationships, and school integration, the project works with schools to identify young people who are not yet receiving support from social services but are showing signs of vulnerability.

These students receive individual support: conflict resolution strategies, training in non-violent resistance, as well as access to mental health care and addiction prevention services.

Focus of foundation: Equal opportunities
Target group: Children and young people