CHS Group runs a number of Young People's Services in Cambridge, Ely, Wisbech & March offering accommodation and support to 16 -25 year olds facing homelessness. Sadly all our services have seen their local government funding cut this year and this will have a massive impact on our existing and future residents.

To help raise much needed funds CHS staff are organising our 2nd annual sponsored Sleep Out in the centre of Cambridge on Saturday 1st December 2018 and we are delighted that the staff from Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have chosen our campaign as their fundraiser for this year.

Our Young People's Services not only offer a young person somewhere to live but work with them providing advice and support so that they can become more independent. We work together with every young person to meet their specific needs and aspirations and help them go on to live successful independent lives. Below is one story of a young person we have supported:

Js early life saw her placed on the Child Protection Register because her mother suffered with serious mental health problems involving self-harm and suicide attempts. When her mother was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, J were placed in a long term foster placement. At the age of 17 J was housed at Railway House following the breakdown of a foster placement. Due to her difficult family history J struggled to form attachments with peers and other adults and her relationships were very short lived. She struggled managing her finances frequently spending her money on internet shopping and cannabis. During her time at Railway House she was respected and valued by staff and other residents. With budgeting support she changed her spending priorities and she eventually became very financially responsible. J managed to sustain positive relationships with staff and her confidence in herself started to grow. J secured a permanent job in retail whilst living at Railway House and she also stopped using cannabis. She played a vital role in Railway House and would lead by example in motivating and supporting other residents. She made great progress in overcoming her earlier difficulties and through resident involvement and her charitable work made a huge contribution to the Railway House resident group and to the wider community. J has since moved into her own flat in Cambridge and still pops in to Railway House from time to time on her way to work. She feels very proud of all she has achieved through being persistent and resilient in her efforts to better herself and her life.