10/06/2026
Youth homelessness is rising, and lack of work is making the crisis worse.
A recent national report has warned that the number of young people not in education, employment or training could rise by 25%, reaching 1.25 million by the early 2030s without intervention.
Almost 124,000 young people were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the UK in 2024–25: a 6% increase on the previous year and the third consecutive year numbers have risen.
Youth unemployment is now reported at 14.7%, its highest level in more than a decade. At the same time, charities are warning that young people are being locked out of stable work, affordable housing and the private rental market. Behind these figures are young people facing job rejections, rising rents, family breakdown, debt, poor mental health and limited support networks.
At SMART, we know how quickly things can spiral when someone has no stable income, no safe place to stay and no one to fall back on.
For people aged 18+ in Bedford who are experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping or severe poverty, our services provide practical support, trusted guidance and a route towards greater stability.
Homelessness is rarely caused by housing alone. It is often shaped by poverty, insecure work, poor health, disrupted education, relationship breakdown and a lack of opportunity.
No young person should be left trying to navigate unemployment, homelessness and poverty alone.
