Story
There's a cost of being young, but what if you can't afford it?
The most important thing I want to get across is that I don't know who you are and you don't know who I am, however with your support to Rock Trust you have changed my life.
Young people affected by homelessness have always had to make hard choices, but increasingly we are seeing them losing any choice at all.
For the young people we work with this crisis is much more than heating, though that is a huge worry. The impact on their mental health and access to education and even jobs, could have long-term repercussions. They do not have the family and support networks to protect them in a crisis. If things get bad for them, the threat of homelessness is very real.
Young people we work with have been telling us about some of their experiences, from not socialising with friends because they have no money to do anything, to not going out at all because they can't afford to turn on the washing machine to wash their clothes. We have spoken to young people who have pre-payment meters and are already in debt for gas they haven't used. We have supported young people whose education and work prospects are suffering simply because they can't afford the right clothes.
The money raised by this campaign will be invested into our core services for young people. It will enable us to meet the needs of many more young people turning to us for help for the first time this winter, as well as increasing the support we provide young people already known to us and living in our accommodation.
Some of the support we are providing includes hot meals and access to showers and washing facilities, providing food packages and clothing, running groups around energy advice and budgeting, providing emergency financial support for things like energy bills, clothing and travel, and providing health & well-being support through art therapy.
This is a difficult time for many, and we appreciate any support you are able to give. If you would like to speak to someone about the campaign and any other ways to get involved, please email fundraising@rocktrust.org.
Thank you.
