This winter, the impact-driven lifestyle brand, TOMS is proud to support Centrepoint, the UK’s leading charity for homeless young people, with a grant to help support homeless people aged 16-25. The £50,000 grant aims to shine a spotlight on the issue and support long-term solutions to youth homelessness in the UK.
“We estimate 18,000 young people will need support with homelessness this winter in the UK,” says Di Gornall, Director of Fundraising at Centrepoint. “Working with some of the most disenfranchised and vulnerable young people, TOMS is helping us spread a message of hope – that a homeless young person is not hopeless, and their potential when nurtured can be boundless.”
The grant will specifically support Centrepoint Works, directly providing 25 vulnerable young people across the UK with the support and services aimed at helping them create a path to lasting employment. Along with providing high quality apprenticeships and traineeships, the programme includes goal-setting sessions, skill-building workshops, and the one-on-one support needed to help them finish their education and establish their path forward.
In the UK, Centrepoint’s Youth Homelessness Databank estimates 86,000 young people approached their local authority for help with homelessness in 2016-2017.
Statistics suggest that the number of young people sleeping on the streets has doubled between 2016 and 2017. The reasons they become homeless are varied, from family breakdowns to abuse and mental health issues.
TOMS is known for its mission to improve lives, specifically empowering youth. Founded in 2006, the company pioneered the One for One business model: for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. The for-profit, social impact company quickly grew to support sight restoration and clean water systems, becoming a global business phenomenon and inspiring a generation of social entrepreneurs. In 2011 the company set up a
regional office in the UK, and in 2015 opened a flagship store in Carnaby Street, London.
“Giving has always been at the heart of what TOMS does,” says Amy Smith, TOMS Chief Giving Officer. “Our customers, including our UK base, have directly helped millions of people in need across the globe. As homelessness rates grow among British youth we wanted to support a local organisation that is driving change and truly aimed at engaging young people facing difficult situations. We are truly honoured to support Centrepoint and the incredible young adults it supports every day. It takes a community to build a better tomorrow.”
