Mayor of London Sadiq Khan praises supporters of appeal that ‘changed how homeless see themselves'

Sadiq Khan: The Mayor visited a homeless hostel when he backed the charity campaign
PA
Matt Watts13 February 2017

Sadiq Khan today led expressions of thanks to Standard readers for their “incredible support” in making the Centrepoint Helpline a reality.

The Mayor said the Young and Homeless Helpline appeal meant the national Freephone service would now be a “lifeline” for many vulnerable Londoners.

He added: “The overwhelming response to the Evening Standard’s fundraising appeal is a tribute to how concerned Londoners are about this problem in their city.”

A highlight of the appeal was photographer Samia Meah’s journey from being homeless at 16 to a dream commission taking pictures of Prince William and Evening Standard proprietor Evgeny Lebedev to mark £1 million being raised for the helpline.

Homeless appeal: The Mayor met young homeless people with singer Ellie Goulding  
PA

Samia, 27, who met the Prince again today at the launch of the helpline, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who donated and the Evening Standard for running an appeal that shone a light on the issues surrounding youth homelessness.”

Centrepoint resident: Samia Meah 
JEREMY SELWYN

Matt Carlisle, 49, who went from homeless teenager to Centrepoint regional manager, said: “The appeal is changing the way the young people Centrepoint works with see themselves, and the way the public looks at the issue of homelessness.”

Sara Cox, Centrepoint Ambassador and Radio 2 DJ, said: “From today, young people whose lives are spinning out of control will finally have someone to turn to.”

Sarah Thoburn, manager at Bruce House, Centrepoint accommodation for homeless young people in Holborn, said: “There’s people in dangerous situations with nowhere to turn — but now the helpline will help them stay safe, so thank you to everyone who donated.”

Homeless campaign: Matt Carlisle, a former homeless person
Alex Lentati

Monique Newton, 24, who was homeless at 15 but became a world champion power lifter, said the appeal had challenged stereotypes: “It’s good people now know that it affects all types of young people.”

Ben Wardlaw, 22, the son of a banker who became homeless as he battled mental illness, said the “pretty incredible campaign” had raised awareness of an issue that was “somewhat niche” a year ago.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron MP, who slept rough at Centrepoint’s Sleep Out which raised money for the appeal, said many lives would now be “changed for the better”.

Kumba Kpakima, 18, who became homeless after the death of her mother when she was 15, said: “It’s something that a lot of people go through and it doesn’t have to be the breaking point in their lives.”

Centrepoint sleep out: Lib Dem leader Tim Farron (NIGEL HOWARD)
NIGEL HOWARD ©

The aspiring journalist, who has met Prince William, did a week’s work experience with the Standard.

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