Every August, young people across Northern Ireland pack school bags, sharpen pencils, and look forward to a new term. For many, that sense of excitement is overshadowed by something far more serious: not knowing where they will sleep at night.

Youth homelessness in Northern Ireland is an often hidden crisis. Over 4,500 children and young people face homelessness each year, and many more experience “sofa surfing” or unstable accommodation that never makes it into the statistics. Without a safe place to call home, the simple act of going to school becomes a daily challenge.

How Homelessness Impacts Education

Stable housing is the foundation for learning. Without it, young people struggle to concentrate in class, keep up with homework, or even attend school regularly. Research shows that young people experiencing homelessness are more likely to fall behind academically, disengage from education, and face long-term barriers to employment and wellbeing.

In Northern Ireland, the reasons behind youth homelessness are complex. They can include:

  • Family breakdown or conflict
  • The loss of a parent or caregiver
  • Domestic violence or abuse
  • A lack of affordable housing
  • Leaving the care system without support

For some, homelessness strikes during pivotal times like GCSEs, A-Levels, or the transition to further education. Without the right support, this can create a cycle of disadvantage that lasts well into adulthood.

Why Back to School Season Can Be Especially Tough

The start of a new school year is meant to bring structure and routine. For a young person who is sofa surfing, staying in temporary accommodation, or moving between relatives’ homes, there is no such stability.

They may struggle with:

  • Access to school uniforms and supplies
  • Reliable internet for homework
  • A quiet space to study
  • Transport to and from school
  • Maintaining friendships and social networks
  • Even small obstacles, such as not having a safe place to store books or a uniform, can chip away at confidence and motivation.

How MACS Steps In

At MACS Supporting Children and Young People, we believe every young person deserves a safe home and the chance to thrive in education. We work with young people aged 16 to 25 across Northern Ireland to prevent and address homelessness. For those still in education, we help remove the barriers that unstable housing creates.

In the past year alone:

  • 69% of young people we supported secured accommodation
  • 80% improved their mental health
  • 80% strengthened their social networks

“If it hadn’t been for MACS, I hate to think where I’d be now, possibly homeless or on the street. Instead, I feel hopeful about my future.” – Arianna

Arianna came to MACS during a period of deep uncertainty. She had been sofa surfing after losing her home and struggling with her mental health. Her MACS support worker helped her secure a flat, attend appointments, and even face her fear of driving after a serious accident. With a safe home and the right support, she has gone on to complete courses at Ulster University and now plans to study psychology or counselling.

Her story is just one example of how the right help, at the right time, can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

How You Can Help This Back to School Season

As students across Northern Ireland return to classrooms, we want to ensure no young person is left behind because they do not have a safe place to call home.

You can help by:

Donating to support our housing and wellbeing services
Fundraising through school or workplace events
Volunteering to mentor or support a young person
Sharing our message to raise awareness about youth homelessness

Together, we can end youth homelessness in Northern Ireland and give every young person the chance to succeed in education and beyond.

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