The hustle and bustle of city living in the capital can make it simple to overlook something many take for granted: returning to a comfortable bed after a lengthy day.

Between 2024 and 2025, more than 118,000 individuals aged 16 to 25 experienced homelessness throughout the UK.

This translates to approximately one young person every four minutes having uncertainty about their sleeping arrangements for that evening.

These statistics are devastating, and as long as social challenges like youth homelessness continue to exist, the efforts carried out by organizations such as Centrepoint require and merit assistance.

This March, editors, journalists and additional staff members from Newsquest’s London office will participate in a sleep-out event to generate attention for this pressing issue.

Those taking part will forego their usual beds for one night, sleeping on the floor instead, with each person collecting donations for the essential services offered by Centrepoint.

The Sleep Out is not meant to simulate homelessness; rather, its purpose is to educate and generate vital funding for this increasingly important cause.

Newsquest has established a partnership with Centrepoint spanning 2026 to assist with their crucial mission of addressing youth homelessness.

Operating as the UK’s primary charity for homeless young individuals, Centrepoint delivers housing, healthcare assistance, career opportunities and additional support throughout the country.

Ken Leech established the organization in Soho during December 1969, initially operating as accommodation in the basement of his church to provide homeless youth with a secure place to rest.

Today, the charity is projected to support over 15,000 individuals annually in working toward greater independence.

With your assistance, Centrepoint moves closer to eliminating youth homelessness.

Should you require help or be aware of a young person in need, contact the charity’s helpline at no cost on 0808 800 0661, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.