Youngsters are becoming homeless in Belfast at an average age of just 15, a disturbing new report revealed.
The Salvation Army report into the underlying causes of social exclusion and homelessness revealed alarming high levels of childhood homelessness leading to serious problems in later life.
Nearly 40% of 18-25 year olds interviewed for The Seeds of Exclusion research in Belfast reported their first experience of homeless before they were 18, at an average age of just 15, without family and totally alone.
Many people had subsequently experienced on-going homelessness or many homeless periods in their lives.
'No support'
Relationship breakdown and the lack of supportive relationships were cited as the main reasons for homelessness among Belfast respondents.
The research found that more than a quarter (26%) of people interviewed had no close friends and no family support - which deprives them of vital social support networks. Almost half of those interviewed said they had no close relationship with their mother, and almost three quarters lacked a close relationship with their father.
The research also revealed that alcohol dependency, drug abuse and mental health needs played a bigger role in drawing people into homelessness and social exclusion than those interviewed are prepared to recognise.
The 'Seeds of Exclusion Belfast and Dublin' report is part of on-going wider UK and Ireland research which has now surveyed nearly 1,000 people living in Salvation Army social centres.
Director of Programme for The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, Lieut-Colonel Ian Barr, said it revealed alarming trends in the lives of people who turn to the charity looking for a home or a community in which to belong.
"In our centres, we see too many victims of an excessive drinking and drug culture that is not only endangering personal health, but damages relationships, education and employment prospects, and leads and keeps people amongst the most socially excluded in our society," he said.
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