By Stephen Bell, Chief Executive, Changing Lives
How Changing Lives is adapting to a new era of homelessness.
The homelessness landscape in the UK has changed dramatically in recent years. We’re witnessing a sharp rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness across the country, with youth homelessness now at an all-time high. The growing cost of living, welfare reforms, and widespread cuts to vital services have all contributed to a crisis that is pushing more and more people into vulnerable and unsafe situations.
At Changing Lives, this rise in homelessness has had a significant impact on our frontline services. Delivering support has become markedly more expensive than it was just five years ago. National Insurance contribution changes, rising living costs, and increasing overheads like rent and utilities have stretched our resources to the limit. As demand grows, our teams are under increasing strain-not just in terms of service delivery, but also personally, as they too feel the impact of today’s economic pressures.
One of the most pressing issues we see daily is housing affordability. This challenge hits young people especially hard. Many are only eligible for £81.77 per month through Universal Credit- significantly less than those over 25- leaving them unable to access even social housing, let alone private rental options. It’s a heartbreaking and unjust gap that too often locks young people out of safe, stable futures.
In response to these pressures, we’ve adapted quickly. We’re constantly reviewing our service provision to maintain the highest possible quality under tough conditions. The wellbeing of our staff remains a top priority, which is why we’ve strengthened our welfare package and created new roles-like Financial Inclusion Workers-to support both our clients and staff in maximising income. We’re working closely with local authorities and partners to ensure every pound we spend delivers value, and we’ve revised our policies to reflect the changing needs of the people we support.
Demand is growing across all our service areas-from housing and recovery to domestic abuse, exploitation, and young people’s support. Alongside rising demand, we’re seeing increasing complexity in the challenges people face. This brings higher risks, requiring close engagement with safeguarding teams and other stakeholders to ensure people are protected and empowered.
The need for fundraising has never been more urgent. Last year alone, we supported more than 14,000 people. But rising homelessness, the cost-of-living crisis, and growing mental health needs are stretching our teams and resources to the edge. Without increased and sustained funding, we face the real risk of not being able to support people at the critical moment they reach out.
That’s why regular, consistent community support is so vital. Monthly donations, no matter how small, give us the stability to plan ahead and act fast in a crisis. It’s not just about money-it’s about creating a deeper connection with our mission. Fundraisers and local businesses that support us, particularly those who make us their Charity of the Year, bring far more than funds. They bring networks, skills, and opportunities that help the people we work with build brighter, more independent futures.
Every donation we receive makes a tangible difference. It might pay for a warm bed for a young person sleeping rough, counselling for a woman escaping abuse, support to overcome addiction, or coaching to help someone find work again. It’s about more than services-it’s about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and giving people hope. Donations help people move from crisis to confidence.
Changing Lives is here to break the cycles that keep people trapped in crisis. We offer tailored support-from financial inclusion and budgeting advice to employability programmes through our Changing Lives Academy. We know that for many of the people we work with, employment might feel like a distant reality. That’s why we focus on building people’s strengths and helping them move forward at their own pace, toward safety, purpose, and independence.
If you’re reading this and wondering how you can help, start today. Whether it’s a one-off gift or, even better, a regular monthly donation, every act of generosity counts. You can take part in a fundraiser, volunteer your time, or nominate us as your workplace Charity of the Year.
It all makes a difference.
When you give to Changing Lives, you’re helping someone move from the margins toward hope, dignity, and possibility. You’re helping shape a future where no one is left behind.
Visit www.changing-lives.org.uk to find out how you can become a life-changer today
