'Young people are being locked out of safe, secure and affordable housing' blasts Milton Keynes YMCA head

The leading youth charity has announced a bold ambition to create homes to confront the problems they say are holding an entire generation back.

MPs gathered in Parliament to support the launch of the YMCA national #BuildingFutures project, which coincides with the publication of new polling research revealing the scale of the challenge facing young renters.

The study, commissioned by the YMCA, shows:

 29% struggle to raise the five-week upfront deposit needed to secure a home

 63% have had to borrow money simply to pay their rent

 17% were forced to move in the last three years because their rent became

unaffordable

 60% say housing costs have stopped them taking the next step in life —

including work, education or independence

 44% of those planning to move say affordability is the single biggest barrier

At the heart of yesterday’s (Monday 26 January) parliamentary reception was a new exhibition amplifying the voices of young people helped by YMCA’s housing support, sharing first-hand stories of insecurity, resilience and what a stable home makes possible.

One of those was Katie, a young person supported by YMCA Milton Keynes. She said: “I was asked to leave with no notice. I managed to stay with a friend, but I constantly felt like I was outstaying my welcome. It was an incredibly stressful period, and my mental health suffered. That was when my GP referred me to YMCA.

“YMCA Milton Keynes supported me with a place of my own. Over time I began to rebuild my confidence. After a few months, I felt ready to move on, knowing I wanted something long-term. That’s what makes YMCA Milton Keynes’ move-on accommodation so special.

" I now have a one-bedroom flat with a balcony, and it’s perfect for me.”

Simon Green, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA Milton Keynes and YMCA Northamptonshire, said: “It’s hard to become someone when you don’t have somewhere.

“Young people are being locked out of safe, secure and affordable housing, and the consequences reach far beyond homelessness. This is about education, work, mental health and long-term stability.

“Young people who are leaving home for the first time, who are dealing with family breakdown, who are leaving care or who have experienced homelessness need access to good quality, affordable housing in their local community. YMCA Milton Keynes and YMCA Northamptonshire have the local knowledge and connections to be the housing provider of choice for local young people in Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire.

“We are ready to play our part in the #BuildingFutures campaign to combat the housing crisis and give all young people a safe place to call home, alongside supporting, engaging and inspiring them to reach their full potential.”

To support the launch of its #BuildingFutures campaign, YMCA is calling on government to:

 Unlock land through upfront acquisition funding for genuinely affordable housing

 Strengthen planning capacity to fast-track affordable schemes

 Explicitly recognise young people in housing needs assessments

 Simplify and increase flexibility in Homes England and Affordable Homes

The parliamentary launch brings together MPs, young people, sector partners and funders.

YMCA is primed to be part of the solution, and is urging MPs to become Affordable Housing Champions, backing local projects and helping ensure national housing reform works for young people.

Katie, added: “The home I have now means everything. Coming back from work to a peaceful place fills me with joy. Having my own space has also helped me rebuild my relationship with my mum and has made a huge difference to my mental health.”