Homelessness charity Centrepoint expects to provide beds and support for 800 young people over the Christmas period. Over half of these young people have slept rough, and most have fled family homes because of violence and abuse and have nowhere to go.
Yet many young people who find themselves in this situation do not get accepted as homeless by local authorities. This makes official figures artifically low - and keeps the pressure off local authorities to provide sufficient services.
Centrepoint estimates that it needs to raise £252,900 to support its work with young people this Christmas. That gives us some indication of the level of support needed the rest of the year too.
In 2007, local authorities must not be allowed to continue to put favourable statistical returns over any young homeless person's cry for help.
Click here to make a donation to Centrepoint, or call 0800 232320 or text SAFE to 84862