Seyfu, 24, came to Centrepoint three years ago after fleeing Ethiopia and seeking asylum in the UK.
Arriving at just 17, his journey to safety was long and uncertain, taking him first to France and then to England.
Like many young people who have experienced displacement, Seyfu initially lived in shared accommodation in London with others who had made similar journeys.
He said: “I came from France and then I came to England. I don’t know where it was, but they took me and three other people to live in a house together in London. We were living together in a shared house.”
After four or five years, the building was deemed unsafe, and all residents had to leave.
Seyfu’s social worker helped him find a safe alternative, referring him to a Centrepoint supported home which he has recently moved out of into a place of his own.
He added: “I lived there for four or five years and then they said the building wasn’t safe, so everyone had to go out of the building. My social worker called me to say that we need to move out of the building. And then after I moved here to Centrepoint – my social worker brought me here.”
When Seyfu arrived in the UK, he spoke very little English and was looking for ways to connect with others. He noticed how many people were running in local communities and decided to join a running club as a way to meet people, learn English and stay active.
Over time, his natural talent became clear. After several years of consistent training, Seyfu began placing highly in competitions, eventually finishing in the top ten nationally and being scouted for elite training. Today, he is a professional athlete training full time and preparing to represent Team GB in the marathon at the 2028 Olympics.
Centrepoint was able to provide support and guidance for Seyfu as he navigated the complex world of balancing college, training, work and ambitions for independence.
Sefyu said: “I started running in 2018. When I came to this country, I didn’t know how to speak the language. I saw people running at Parkrun and I tried to find a team.
"If you need something, I’m asking the people here and they have really helped me with everything.”
Looking to the future, Seyfu is focused on continuing his journey, both as an athlete and as an individual building an independent life. When asked what advice he would give others hoping to follow in his footsteps, his message is simple and powerful: “Run every day – don’t give up.”
New report reveals youth homelessness increasing
New research from Centrepoint reveals almost 124,00 young people experienced homelessness across the UK in 2024/25.
This marks a 6% rise, nearly 7,000 more than the previous year, when 116,947 approached their councils for help.
As Balbir Kaur Chatrik, Centrepoint’s Director of Policy and Prevention, says, “Youth homelessness is at record levels, and this is another significant increase in the number of young people without a safe place to stay.”
“At a time when most of their peers are thinking of university or starting careers, increasing numbers of the most vulnerable young people are stuck – often in terrifying situations – trying to navigate to support alone.”
Sadly, thousands of young people were doing just that last year as the data, part of Centrepoint’s annual Youth Homelessness Databank research, shows. Covering April 2024 to March 2025, the charity used FOI requests and publicly available sources.
In England, 107,585 young people sought housing support—up 6% from 2023/24. Wales saw an 8% increase, while Scotland experienced a 2% rise. Northern Ireland saw little change. The North West recorded the highest levels of youth homelessness, rising by over a third (35%) from 14,471 to 19,587. London also experienced a 13% increase.
The report follows the publication of a new government Ending Homelessness Plan last year – but Balbir says, “We now urgently need to see a move from planning to delivery because, until we do, thousands more will be left waiting for meaningful action on night buses, strangers’ sofas, or worse.”
Take part in ‘Dare to Dip’ fundraising this March
Youth homelessness remains a stark reality across the country, with a young person becoming homeless every four minutes. In response, Centrepoint is urging communities nationwide to take part in ‘Dare to Dip’ this March — a simple yet meaningful act: a cold water swim lasting up to four minutes.
The powerful new fundraising opportunity aims to raise awareness and support for vulnerable young people by highlighting that they are not alone.
Open to those over 18 in good health, the challenge invites swimming clubs, workplaces, and social groups to participate at safe water locations. It’s an accessible way for members of the community to contribute to a campaign that provides emergency accommodation, counselling, and education to those who need it most.
To find out more, visit https://centrepoint.org.uk/dare.
Family breakdown still leading cause of youth homelessness
Family breakdown remains the leading cause of youth homelessness in England, according to a new Centrepoint report.
The charity analysed government figures and found over half (51%) of young people receiving prevention or relief duties in 2024/25 were homeless due to family or friends no longer being willing or able to accommodate them. This persistent trend highlights how fragile family relationships can become under mounting pressures.
Lisa Doyle, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Centrepoint, says, “Many of these relationships are being put under strain by structural factors like overcrowding, or poor conditions, alongside challenges the young people’s parents are facing.”
Research from Centrepoint last year shows that while conflict happens in all families, it is far more likely to escalate in households that are already facing multiple challenges, including mental health issues. This can lead to a young person being made to leave or choosing to leave home before they are ready to. Domestic abuse also continues to be a significant factor, with 6,420 young people (11%) citing it as the main reason for leaving.
Lisa says the government's new homelessness plan sets out some promising approaches, “There’s a focus on prevention now which will be crucial – but we need to see that come through the expansion of things like family mediation, and more work in-schools with children at risk.”
These figures underscore the complex, multifaceted nature of family breakdown and its devastating impact on young people’s futures.
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