I became homeless when I was 16 - I didn't think I'd survive

Becoming homeless at the age of 16 is something Freya never imagined would happen.

Now living independently, Freya said she did not think she would survive that period of her life.

Recent figures from the charity Centrepoint estimated that in 2024-25, more than 120,000 young people across the UK were classed as homeless or at risk of homelessness, the third year in a row that the number had increased.

At the age of 11, Freya was diagnosed with GPA vasculitis - a rare autoimmune disease - and spent long stints in hospital.

When she was 16, after another stay in hospital, Freya was unable to return home due to family circumstances.

She was discharged to a bed and breakfast on the seafront in Rhyl where she said the room "just fell apart".

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"They're not places to put young people at all. They're not places to put anyone," she said.

Soon after, Freya ended up back in hospital. But this time she was referred to Kickstart, a service which provides 24-hour support for young people who are at risk of homelessness.

"I could then start working and actually moving forward. I got my A-Levels in art," she added.

Freya, now 19, has now moved into her own flat with the support from Clwydalyn, a housing association based in north Wales that provides supported housing for vulnerable people.

"If you need anything there's support."

Looking back, Freya said she did not think she would survive that time of her life.

"I didn't even think I'd be alive anymore to be quite honest. I'd had enough."

Now, she said things were very different.

"I'm working, I'm doing my driving, and I'm doing loads of different art projects."

Freya said she felt too many young people were not given the support they need and are instead placed in inappropriate accommodation without basic facilities or a support network.

Conner went into care when he was a child and lived in foster homes across north Wales until he was 18.

It was when he left care that he found himself unsure of his next steps and became homeless.

Conner ended up sleeping rough in Stoke-on-Trent, and said it was at that point that his "survival instincts" kicked in.

He eventually set his sights on getting back to Wales where he was brought up.

With the help of a family friend, Conner was able to move to Rhyl where he was signposted to Clwydalyn and now lives in a supported living home.

Conner, now 21, said: "If it wasn't for people who didn't give up on me I wouldn't be here, so I am grateful for everyone who helped me in my life get to where I am today."

Llamau homelessness charity has reported a sharp rise in demand for its support.

In March, the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill was passed.

The bill aims to put more focus on preventing homelessness, which is something Llamau's chief executive, Sam Austin, has welcomed.

"We need to address the root causes much earlier. Around 50% of the adult street homeless population first experienced homelessness before the age of 21," she said.

"If we can make an impact on youth homelessness, that will have a generational effect on homelessness overall."

Despite the challenges, Sam said that those seeking help had simple goals.

"What they want is the same as everybody else. Somewhere safe to live, a good job, and a happy, healthy relationship."

The Welsh government said it would be setting out its priorities on homelessness shortly, adding that it would focus on doing what's best for Wales.

Additional reporting by Gareth Bryer