Grant programme helps MACS transform spaces for homeless young people

MACS, has transformed the spaces of the young people it supports thanks to Centrepoint and Nationwide’s grant programme, More Than a Roof.

MACS supports children and young people aged 11–25 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home. They provide housing, floating support, well-being services and participation opportunities across Belfast, Lisburn, Downpatrick and Newry. Every year, MACS support over 700 young people to move forward with safety, dignity and hope.

With the grant, MACS has upgraded rooms in Belfast, Newry, Lisburn and Downpatrick. Young people have kitted out their rooms with a range of new soft furnishings such as curtains, rugs, bedding; decorative items including plants, pictures, and mirrors; and electrical goods like lights, kettles, and toasters.

The More Than a Roof grant programme, funded by Nationwide, has been made available to Centrepoint’s network of partners. So far, £200,000 has been distributed to over 25 partners across the UK.

The grant programme is just one part of Centrepoint’s partnership with Nationwide and the building society’s social impact programme. Nationwide’s ‘Fairer Futures’ aims to tackle three of the UK’s biggest social issues through charity partnerships – youth homelessness (Centrepoint), family poverty (Action for Children), and dementia (Dementia UK).

Head of Supported Housing, Trina Harpur  said: “Thanks to this grant, we’ve been able to turn empty, unfamiliar spaces into warm, welcoming homes for our young people. Having the right furnishings and decor may seem simple, but for these young people, it represents stability, pride, and a crucial step toward independence. It’s not just about furnishings, it’s about creating a foundation for a better future, and we’re incredibly grateful to be able to support them in this way”

Charlotte Kensett, Director of Customer Experience and Social Impact at Nationwide, said: “For young people facing homelessness, supported accommodation is a lifeline and they deserve to make it feel like their own. We’re proud to partner with Centrepoint as part of our Fairer Futures strategy to fund their local charity grant programme, making a powerful difference to young people’s lives by helping them make their space feel like home.”

Lisa Waring, Head of Partnerships at Centrepoint, said: “For many young people in supported accommodation, the room they are given may be the first safe space they have ever had. Having the opportunity to put their own stamp on these spaces and make them homely can make a world of difference as they work towards rebuilding their lives.

“It is fantastic to hear that Nationwide’s funding is already making such an enormous difference to the young people our partners support. We cannot thank Nationwide enough for partnering with us and giving us the resources to extend this support beyond our services.”