Last chance to bid for fantastic lots in the Homeless Helpline auction

Lots include the chance to meet Ellie Goulding, to train with an Olympic swimmer and to escape on luxury holidays to Africa, Croatia and Greece. And the money raised will go to the Homeless Helpline charity appeal

Monday 30 January 2017 18:15 GMT

Lots on offer include two tickets to watch Ellie Goulding in concert and the chance to meet the singer in person. (Getty)

Our final online auction to raise money for The Independent’s charity appeal closes on Tuesday night.

Unforgettable lots on offer include the chance to meet the singer Ellie Goulding and watch her live in concert, and to train with swimmer and double Olympic silver medallist Jazz Carlin.

Other lots offer luxury holidays to destinations including Africa, Croatia and Greece, as well as the chance to drive a McLaren supercar, and to get signed first team football shirts from Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and West Ham.

You could also enjoy a cocktail masterclass for you and your friends at a five-star hotel, design your own bespoke Radley bag, or get unique dining experiences – including drawing up a menu with top London chef Stevie Parle for you and friends to enjoy at his restaurant Craft London.

The 24 lots offer the chance to enjoy amazing experiences, while also supporting the Young and Homeless Helpline charity appeal.

The causes of homelessness

Show all 7

1/7The causes of homelessness

The causes of homelessness

Family Breakdown

Relationship breakdown, usually between young people and their parents or step-parents, is a major cause of youth homelessness. Around six in ten young people who come to Centrepoint say they had to leave home because of arguments, relationship breakdown or being told to leave. Many have experienced long-term problems at home, often involving violence, leaving them without the family support networks that most of us take for granted

The causes of homelessness

Complex needs

Young people who come to Centrepoint face a range of different and complex problems. More than a third have a mental health issue, such as depression and anxiety, another third need to tackle issues with substance misuse. A similar proportion also need to improve their physical health. These problems often overlap, making it more difficult for young people to access help and increasing the chances of them becoming homeless

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The causes of homelessness

Deprivation

Young people's chances of having to leave home are higher in areas of high deprivation and poor prospects for employment and education. Many of those who experience long spells of poverty can get into problem debt, which makes it harder for them to access housing

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The causes of homelessness

Gang Crime

Homeless young people are often affected by gang-related problems. In some cases, it becomes too dangerous to stay in their local area meaning they can end up homeless. One in six young people at Centrepoint have been involved in or affected by gang crime

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The causes of homelessness

Exclusion From School

Not being in education can make it much more difficult for young people to access help with problems at home or health problems. Missing out on formal education can also make it more difficult for them to move into work

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The causes of homelessness

Leaving Care

Almost a quarter of young people at Centrepoint have been in care. They often have little choice but to deal with the challenges and responsibilities of living independently at a young age. Traumas faced in their early lives make care leavers some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities, with higher chances of poor outcomes in education, employment and housing. Their additional needs mean they require a higher level of support to maintain their accommodation

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The causes of homelessness

Refugees

Around 13 per cent of young people at Centrepoint are refugees or have leave to remain, meaning it isn't safe to return home. This includes young people who come to the UK as unaccompanied minors, fleeing violence or persecution in their own country. After being granted asylum, young people sometimes find themselves with nowhere to go and can end up homeless

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Thanks to the generosity of readers, we have secured funds for the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint to launch on 13 February, the first nationwide helpline for young people facing homelessness or living on the streets.

The helpline will also help address a situation where up to one in three of young people seeking help for homelessness from English local councils are currently being turned away with little or no advice.

We are continuing the fundraising drive ahead of the helpline launch to ensure its long-term future and also to support the other vital services that helpline callers could be referred to.

The auction, which closes at 9pm on Tuesday 31 January, is powered by Givergy, which enables charities to raise cash by offering bidders the chance to win exclusive items and experiences.

To bid and look at all the lots visit www.givergy.com/charity/centrepoint

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Last chance to bid for fantastic lots in the Homeless Helpline auction

Lots include the chance to meet Ellie Goulding, to train with an Olympic swimmer and to escape on luxury holidays to Africa, Croatia and Greece. And the money raised will go to the Homeless Helpline charity appeal

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The causes of homelessness

The causes of homelessness

Family Breakdown

The causes of homelessness

Complex needs

The causes of homelessness

Deprivation

The causes of homelessness

Gang Crime

The causes of homelessness

Exclusion From School

The causes of homelessness

Leaving Care

The causes of homelessness

Refugees

Join our commenting forum