A CHARITY has launched a hard hitting campaign to raise awareness for youth homelessness by sharing real life stories.

YMCA DownsLink is sharing the experiences of four young people who have been homeless in order to convey that homelessness is not a choice.

The charity has changed the names and identities in order to protect the young people and their stories illustrate some of the reasons behind a young person leaving home.

In a statement the charity said: "For most it really isn’t a ‘choice’, but a consequence of what’s happened to them as children, or, of finding themselves in a situation over which they have no control.

"By sharing ‘real’ stories, this campaign aims to challenge the judgement and stigmatisation of young people facing homelessness and promote greater understanding of how significant support, at this crucial time, can change their lives and give them back their future."

"Susie" is an example of one of the young people whose life was changed as a result of moving into 24-hour supported accommodation with YMCA DownsLink Group.

Susie was left to live on her own at 18 following a distressing experience involving her mum’s boyfriend, which split her family.

She was struggling to cope alone and had stopped going to college.

She was given a home with the charity and with the help of her key workers she started to rebuild her trust in adults and was able to get back into studying.

Three years on and Susie has just started at university to study astrophysics.

She sent this card to staff when she moved out: “Thank you so much for your gifts and card. I want to thank everyone for being a part of my life and helping me come out of my shell and believe in me.

"I had the greatest three years at the Y Centre and I hope someone else will also benefit as much as I did from all your care and support.

"I’m wishing you all the best in your futures and hope you continue to put smiles on your own and everyone else’s face. It’s been a blessing and pleasure thank you for having me as a resident.”

Read her full story on YMCA DownsLink Group’s website www.ymcadlg.org/ymca-story/susies-story.