On the 2nd July 2017 I visited West Quay in Southampton with my mum, where we had to call an ambulance for a girl who was 20 years old and under the influence of heroin. She was overheated, dirty, starving, cut, bruised with bits of her hair shaved off, and homeless. In fact within 150 yards I saw 7 homeless people. I think that it just seems beyond crazy that in this day and age there are so many people living on the streets.

You see, I don't know whether this girl was on the streets because of her heroin addiction, or whether she took it once she was on the streets, simply because her life had become that meaningless, but regardless there's a reason either way which has driven a girl as young as 20 to be an addict and living on the streets.

For me, it was yet another reminder on how life changing drugs can be. Recreational sometimes, but taken by the wrong person in the wrong circumstance can lead to an addiction. I've first hand seen the effects of drugs throughout my whole life and still continue to do so, and although I appreciate it may be fun one off at a party, it can be so toxic. It's damages you physically, mentally and also those around you. My mum and I were so saddened and angry by what we saw that we genuinely just couldn't stop crying and my greatest hopes are that they give this girl the help that she needs.

In my personal opinion I think there shouldn't be any homeless people, particularly in a more economically developed country like the UK. Giving housing to only those who 'behave themselves' and are clean from drugs is an unrealistic and unfair deal. How can we expect young people living on the streets to stop their addiction whilst being homeless without any medical help? It's ludicrous! However, charities like Centrepoint do provide accommodation, health support and life skills to get the most vulnerable of people back into education, training and employment. But sadly all of this can't be done without donations.

So after this experience I felt as if I had to do something. Being only 15 years old, I arranged a cake sale at my school with proceedings going straight to Centrepoint, whose work gives me faith that something can be done to help youth homelessness if the rest of society continues donating.

Not only this but I've been lucky enough to have even more support from my school, who have agreed to send all money made this year from our 'Charity Week' to Centrepoint, so they can continue their life changing work to help the homeless youths of today.

And finally a friend and I have decided to wash cars at the weekend in our local area for £5. This is to help raise as much money as possible in such a short space of time!

I also am looking forward to doing more fundraising in the future for this charity, such as a 10km walk, but I wanted to do some immediate fundraising so I could support the charity as quickly as possible.

I decided to make a just giving page, for those who may not be able to buy my cakes, or have their car washed, but simply understood how essential it is to donate to Centrepoint. Any money you have at all will be greatly appreciated not only by me, but those who you are giving the opportunity for their life back.

Thank you for your support,

Lola