Research Shows That Local Authorities Could Save Over GBP9k Per Person if They Funded Effective Homelessness Prevention Programmes

LONDON, March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Depaul UK Asks "can we Afford not to?" and Calls for Greater Investment in Prevention Programmes From Schools and Local Authorities in Order to Prevent a Drastic Increase in Youth Homelessness

    
    Report can be downloaded at: http://www.depauluk.org/reconnectresearch
    @DepaulUK
    #canweaffordnotto

The report, "Can We Afford Not To", will be launched at a homelessness prevention conference in Kent on the 25th of March and will demonstrate that local authorities could save in the region of GBP1.2 million a year, if they invested in prevention programmes such as family mediation within schools and the community, and parenting classes.

The research report shows that homelessness prevention schemes like family mediation are proven to prevent homelessness, save local authority money and improve the emotional and physical well being of young people at risk of homelessness.

The report cites Depaul UK's family mediation service in Oldham as an example and calculates that in 2009 the service can be credited with saving Oldham Council just over GBP1.2 million due to the project's success in preventing homelessness in the area. Costs will vary but with average savings per case of over GBP9K - Depaul UK argues that every local authority could make substantial savings, if they make small investments in these prevention services now.

Depaul UK warns that as local authority cuts begin to take effect and services across the country begin to shut down; at the same time that youth unemployment rises and benefits are being cut, the demand for homelessness services will only increase. The charity stresses that without the funding in place to support key services, the rates of youth homelessness will rise drastically, and we will see huge numbers of young people on the streets, a stark reminder of the 1980's.

Una Barry MBE, Deputy Chief Executive of Depaul UK said This research highlights that we need to spend a small amount of money now to make real savings in the long term. At a time when money is tight, we all have to make cuts, but if we can work across departments and schools to pool budgets we can really make savings for the future."

Editors Notes

Depaul UK (registered charity no 802384), offers homeless and disadvantaged young people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and move towards an independent and positive future.

We support 3,500 young people each year and have supported over 50,000 people over the last 21 years.

Each year we provide and support over 145,000 bed nights and are open every day and night.

We also work to prevent young people from becoming homeless by rebuilding family relationships and we provide young people with opportunities to fulfil their potential through education, community-based volunteering, training and employment.

Please see http://www.depauluk.org for more information.

Interviews available on request.

Contact: Rachel Slade, +44(0)207-939-1280