Background
The Youth Homelessness Strategy was launched in November 2022. This is the first Youth Homelessness Strategy in two decades and it sets out 27 distinct actions to prevent young people entering homelessness, to improve the experiences of young people in emergency accommodation and to assist young people to exit homelessness.
When the Strategy was being developed, a lot of people raised the issue of young people being unaware of exactly what supports were out there for them.
Action 27 tasks The Housing Agency with producing a guide setting out supports available for young people. This guide seeks to address this concern and intends to be a useful resource which is easily accessible to all.
The Supports Guide for Young People brings together information on accessing a range of supports and services including:
- Social Welfare and Financial Supports
- Housing Options
- Employment and Education Supports
- Health and Childcare Supports
Note on Homelessness:
If you are homeless, rough sleeping or at risk of becoming homeless, you need to contact your local authority office. Depending on your location and your circumstances, different support services may be available to you. These include emergency accommodation and temporary accommodation, as well as family hubs.
The Supports Guide for Young People is available in English and Irish and there is also an Easy-to-Read version. Additionally, there is a directory of all the supports and services that are included in the guide as well as additional supports and services that are available nationally.
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you need to contact your local authority as soon as possible. They can provide you with more information on supports available depending on your circumstances. To find your nearest local authority click here - Local Authorities
For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or a landlord please visit the Residential Tenancies Board website here - Residential Tenancies Board
Threshold is an independent charity whose mission is to advise tenants, prevent homelessness and to pursue a right to housing for all. They can provide free advice and support to people in housing difficulty and those at risk of losing their rented home. Please visit their website here - Threshold
Spunout is Ireland’s youth information and support platform, working towards an Ireland where all young people are supported and empowered to thrive. Spunout has a range of free, accessible and free services that are there for you whenever you need them. Spunout provides immediate, free and anonymous text support to anyone who wants to talk. Spunout also provides information on a wide range of issues that affect young people including issues while renting and what to do if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Please visit their website here - Spunout