Former homeless teenager thrives as chef

A young man who faced homelessness as a teenager has spoken about his journey to becoming a full-time chef, crediting the support he received from the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. Cameron, who first experienced homelessness at 16, found navigating council support difficult due to delays and complex paperwork. He later moved into Centrepoint’s supported accommodation at 17, which he described as a significant turning point.

Comprehensive Support Provided

At Centrepoint, Cameron received housing assistance and help with education and employment. This included tutoring in maths and English to complete qualifications. His key worker, Lee, assisted him in developing essential life skills such as budgeting, planning, and goal-setting, preparing him for independent living. Staff encouragement helped him remain motivated during uncertain times. He continued working in restaurants while studying, balancing long shifts with his learning commitments.

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“If you put your mind to it, you can always achieve it.”

Cameron

In 2021, Cameron was recognised with a Centrepoint Award for Career Progression, an achievement he described as an important milestone that boosted his confidence. Now living in his own flat, he works full-time as a chef and is developing his skills. His long-term ambition is to create budget-friendly vegan and gluten-free cookbooks aimed at low-income households, making cooking more accessible.

The Scale of Youth Homelessness

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Last year, over 118,000 young people experienced homelessness in the UK, equating to one young person every four minutes. Centrepoint provides safe accommodation, support for education and employment, and confidence-building initiatives to help young people escape or avoid homelessness. The charity states that youth homelessness is preventable and can be ended with the right support.

Volunteering Offers New Purpose

Gill, a retired civil servant with HR experience, volunteers with Centrepoint, drawing on her professional background to mentor young people. She began volunteering four years ago, seeking a meaningful way to use her retirement. She has assisted young people with significant life decisions, such as helping an asylum seeker choose an engineering course. Gill finds the role rewarding and encourages others to consider volunteering.