Teens tackle homelessness in Hull

17 teenagers from Yorkshire and Humber dedicated their time to help a homeless family move into a house as part of NCS Action Day.

Partnering with Hull Homeless Community Project (HHCP), the group undertook a project to redecorate a house giving a homeless family the best possible start in their new home, as well as giving a fresh lick of paint to the HHCP offices for the community to enjoy.

In one day, the group had achieved what they set out to do, as they repainted every room and moved furniture into the house and as a result, a family in Hull were given a foundation to restart their lives in a new home.

Prior to their project, the group also raised funds through a charity football event and bake sale. The money raised was used to buy items such as tinned food, pasta, rice, sanitary products, and toiletries for care packages that will be distributed across  three homeless charities in Yorkshire and Humber, (HHCP, The Welcome Centre (Huddersfield) and Ben’s Centre (Sheffield).

Jaz, 17, from Hull said;

“I’m incredibly proud of the team and how our social action project went.

“It feels amazing to have pulled off such a large project and for the group to come together to help others.

“Hopefully, we have made huge difference to a family’s life and the care packages will give some relief to people less fortunate.”

Jaz and the other young people are part of the Regional Youth Board after completing NCS (National Citizen Service) with EFL Trust (English Football League).

Their project was part of an annual event, NCS Action Day, which aims to showcase the true power of young people as NCS graduates, using the skills and experience they gained on programme to continue to make positive changes in their local area.

Andrew Smith, founder of HHCP, thanks the young people from NCS for their time and support;

“The difference they have made was instantaneous, our client was lost for words when she saw her newly decorated home.

“This means we can move her into her new home swiftly and smoothly and will give her the best chance of a meaningful recovery from crisis and homelessness.”

All teens involved have completed NCS with EFL Trust through their local football Club or youth organisation.

In 2018, NCS graduates from EFL Trust delivered over 130,000 hours of social action, raising of £100,000 for local charities in Yorkshire and Humber.

To find out more about the NCS and Action Day visit ncsyes.co.uk.