Oxford News
Youth homelessness crisis reveals need for independent living support
Many of them find themselves at the sharpest end of the housing crisis: unable to afford even the cheapest rent and lacking the stability needed to pursue a career or complete their education.
A lack of housing supply has been a policy challenge for several years. Successive governments have struggled to get homes built, and housing charities argue that some 90,000 social homes are needed every year in order to address the chronic shortage of affordable housing.
Michelle Donovan, Head of Independent Living at Centrepoint, says the cycle of instability caused by a lack of housing can be disruptive for young people in particular, “It’s such a crucial time for them. It can harm career progression and educational attainment.”
In response, the youth homelessness charity launched its Independent Living Programme. The initiative’s crucial innovation is to cap rent at one-third of a resident’s earnings, and to provide support services focused on ensuring they are ready to maintain employment and housing when they move on.
Michelle says the most important thing is that young people have space to hold down a job “Our homes give them that stability and from there it ends their reliance on benefits and hopefully means they can escape homelessness for good. The idea is we’re giving young people the stability they need to focus on their futures.”
The flat that changed one young woman’s life
A woman who spent the pandemic lockdowns alone in her room in homelessness accommodation is now fulfilling her dream to be a midwife.
Katelin, who became homeless at 17 after years of family arguments, said the isolation gave her time to plan the steps she needed to achieve her goals. “During COVID I thought, where do I see myself if I stay where I am?”
She spent two years in supported housing but – like 1 in 5 young people in similar situations – struggled to move on and start living independently.
Her support worker told her about a scheme run by Centrepoint for working young people who couldn’t afford rent elsewhere, “I got incredibly lucky – the scheme was offered to me and one other person. I wouldn’t be able to say I’m a midwife now if it wasn’t for me living at the independent Living Programme.
We Can’t Do This Alone
Last year, over 118,000 young people faced homelessness. That’s one young person every four minutes. At a time of life when most of their peers are trying new things and taking their first steps into adulthood, these young people found themselves alone and afraid, and unsure where to turn.
It doesn’t have to be like this, with the right support at the right time, these young people can escape homelessness or avoid it altogether.
At Centrepoint, provide more than a bed for the night. We provide a safe place to rebuild, support into education and work, and the confidence to believe in a better future.
Youth homelessness is not inevitable. With the right help at the right time, it can be prevented and it can be ended.
Our mission is to end youth homelessness – and you can help us.
Whether it’s running a marathon or holding a sleep out, you, your friends, family and co-workers can join our movement to end youth homelessness and give vulnerable young people a brighter future.
To find out more, donate or get involved, please visit our website:http://www.centrepoint.org.uk/newspaper
PE Teacher Gains Independence Through Centrepoint
A PE teacher has revealed how living in a Centrepoint Independent Living Programme home has made a “significant difference” to his life, giving him the stability and independence he previously struggled to find.
Londoner Naihum always loved sport and teaching. And, after finishing university, he secured a full-time role as a PE teacher. However, despite his dedication, he faced a common problem for many young people: a lack of affordable housing. Rents in his area were high, and the stress of trying to cover his living costs began to weigh heavily on him.
“I couldn’t find a place I could afford,” he said. “It was really difficult to manage everything on my own.”
Things changed when he heard about Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme. After applying, he was offered a place in one of their homes where rent is capped at a third of his salary.
“Living here has made a significant difference. I’m able to afford it without having to stress overnight and having to think about where I’m going to get the money from with the job that I’m currently at,” he explained, “I know that other people are in situations where they are finding it hard and their mental health is affected.”
The Independent Living Programme homes are more than just housing; residents are also able to access additional support in acquiring the life skills young people need to sustain tenancies in the future. Naihum has worked with mentors to improve his budgeting and financial management, helping him to understand what he can do to cover essentials like food, transport, and bills.
The stability and support has helped Naihum in other ways too. Over time, he has built a strong sense of community with other young people living in similar situations to him. “It’s great because you’ve got others to reach out to and it just makes it easier,” he said.
Now the charity hopes even more young people like Naihum can be supported thanks to the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw in the Lake District, which will help fund more of the charity’s Independent Living Programme homes and give young people the chance to move from homelessness into independence.
The partnership could not have come at a more important time. Centrepoint’s chief executive, Seyi Obakin OBE, is hopeful that many dozens more young people will get to benefit from the stability that the charity’s Independent Living Programme affords young residents: “The guaranteed £1 million raised by Omaze will help us expand our services and build more genuinely affordable homes for those ready to move forward. Together, we can help transform young lives and end youth homelessness for good.”
The Highcroft Investment Report 2026 shows that the local area around Berkeley’s Highcroft development in Wallingford has become one of the county’s most compelling property investment locations.
Wallingford’s appeal is already being recognised more widely, with Wallingford ranked the number one best place to live in Oxfordshire and one of the top 50 in England and Wales.
Set on the River Thames, it has a historic town centre, independent shops, riverside walks and easy access to the Chilterns.
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The report, commissioned by Berkeley and prepared by PriceHubble and Dataloft, shows that property values in the local area have risen sharply.
This is a rise of 15.1 per cent over the past five years, outperforming South Oxfordshire, Oxford, the South East and Greater London.
In fact, the local area has seen five times stronger growth than Greater London, and national sales prices are forecast to grow by a further 20.4 per cent by 2030.
Rental performance reflects this demand, with average rents in the local area around Highcroft having risen by 38 per cent over the past five years, with a further 17.6 per cent rental growth forecast across the UK by 2030.
At the same time, Wallingford continues to offer relative value compared with nearby higher-priced locations.
READ MORE: Council leader ‘deeply concerned’ with Tommy Robinson’s Oxford visit
Average sales prices are up to 24 per cent lower than Oxford and 30 per cent lower than Greater London.
Set close to Wallingford town centre and the River Thames, the Highcroft offers a thriving new community with a collection of two- to five-bedroom homes set within 18 acres of open space in South Oxfordshire.
The development is well placed for commuters, with Didcot Parkway station just a 13-minute drive away.
According to the report by PriceHubble and Dataloft, 57,620 jobs are accessible within a 60-minute public transport commute of the development, with 33 per cent of those jobs in scientific, professional, financial and tech sectors.
Stephen Kirwan, managing director, said: “Wallingford offers a rare combination of historic market town living, strong connectivity and access to major employment hubs across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and London.
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“The report shows that the local area around Highcroft has delivered strong price growth over the past five years, while still offering relative value compared with Oxford and Greater London.
“For buyers and investors, that combination of lifestyle and connectivity with long-term growth potential is increasingly compelling.
“At Highcroft, we are creating a new community that reflects the character of Wallingford while supporting the area with new homes, green space, education, infrastructure and local amenities.”
As part of the wider plans for Highcroft, Berkeley is delivering 555 new homes, alongside more than £11.6 million of investment in local infrastructure.
The development includes a new primary school, 2.2 acres of sports pitches, play areas, allotments, a new bus route, footpath connections and around 18 acres of open space.
Homes at Highcroft start from £415,000.
It was recently announced that The Oxford Union (OU) will host far-right activist Tommy Robinson for a debate on Islam
This will take place on Wednesday (June 17), despite outcry from faith leaders, local politicians and campaign groups.
The student debate society has advertised a debate on social media titled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam.
READ MORE: Police arrest man outside Oxfordshire theatre and charged
Speakers include Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, alongside fellow far-right voice Laurence Fox, opposed by others including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Now, Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, has issued a statement, revealing there will be a police presence in the city.
“I am deeply concerned by The Oxford Union’s decision to host Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, at its debate on Wednesday,” she said.
“Oxford is a proudly diverse, multicultural city. Whilst we are committed to free speech and open debate, that must be balanced against ensuring all our residents can live free from hatred, intimidation and harm.
“Faith leaders and members of our communities have already voiced their strong opposition to this invitation, and I stand with them.
READ MORE: Man fighting for life after helicopter called and arrest made
“I urge the Oxford Union to reflect seriously on the consequences of its choices – not only for its own reputation, but the message this event sends about Oxford and its values.
“A large-scale security operation is being prepared, involving extensive police resources and road closures.
“This will cause considerable disruption for local residents and businesses, and comes at a substantial cost.
“The Oxford Union must meet the full costs of staging their event, rather than leaving Oxford’s taxpayers to pick up the bill.”
The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.
This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.
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Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).
The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.
“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.
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“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.
“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.
“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”
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