The impact of instability
As we approach exam results season across the UK, thousands of young people are feeling the familiar stress and anxiety that comes with GCSEs, A levels, and AS levels. It’s a nerve-wracking time for many – but for young people experiencing homelessness, the pressure can feel even heavier.
For those living in hostels, sofa surfing, or moving from one temporary accommodation to another, results day is more than just grades on a page.
Bad results can bring even more uncertainty. Good results can mean moving forward – but into a future they can’t afford.
At Church Homeless Charity, we support young people whatever the outcome. And we work alongside support workers to make sure those dreams have a chance to become reality.
Unstable housing means disrupted education
It’s hard to succeed in school when your home life is in crisis. Many of the young people we support have been moved multiple times by the time they sit their exams. That instability – living out of bags, not knowing where you’ll be next week – makes it incredibly hard to focus.
Even when they manage to stay enrolled at school, young people often face long journeys after being moved far from their original area. Others lose touch with trusted teachers and fall behind. The emotional toll of bereavement, family breakdown, or trauma can cause them to disengage altogether.
Lack of resources creates barriers
If a young person is living in a hostel, it’s likely they also lack the money for basic resources. Laptops, textbooks, art materials, and travel costs all add up – and without family to step in and help, these expenses can feel impossible.
We’ve spoken to young people who had to complete coursework on a phone, or couldn’t attend an interview because they had nothing suitable to wear. When education becomes another area of life that reminds them what they don’t have, it’s easy to give up hope.
Orisa was just 17 when she was forced out of her home for getting pregnant. She was put into foster care until she turned 18. When her baby was born, she moved into supported housing where she committed to studying at college. A grant from Church Homeless Charity funded a laptop, ensuring that Orisa could stay on top of assignments. She later used the laptop to successfully apply for a housing apprenticeship with the council.
“This has literally changed my life. I’m so grateful.”
Moving forward is harder than it looks
For those who do succeed in their exams, there’s often another hurdle waiting. Offers from college or university should be moments of celebration. But for young people facing homelessness, they can trigger panic.
How will I afford to move cities? What if I can’t cover the rent over summer? How will I fit in with students who have everything they need?
Without financial support from family or savings to fall back on, many feel overwhelmed. Some turn down offers or drop out early, not because they lack ambition – but because the system wasn’t built for them.
Grants that open doors
This is where we step in. Church Homeless Charity provides small but vital grants to help young people overcome the practical obstacles that stand in their way. We fund:
- Laptops and tech for study
- Art materials, cameras, GoPros, and other equipment for creative courses
- Tutoring and textbooks
- Travel and relocation costs
- Interview clothes or course-specific clothing
These are often the missing pieces that allow a young person to say yes to their future.
A fair start for every young person
Homelessness shouldn’t mean missing out. We believe every young person deserves the chance to pursue education, grow their skills, and imagine a better future. We work alongside supported accommodation staff and support workers to provide a holistic approach – combining emotional support, encouragement, and practical help to give young people a real way forward.
This results season, whether the news is good or difficult, we’re here for the young people who need us most.