Although we know the homeless population in the South-East is among the highest in the country many more are considered to be part of the 'hidden homeless' population - they might be sleeping on a floor or 'sofa-surfing,' living in a temporary hostel, or somewhere else that isn't a proper and permanent home.

If this is your life, you're always having to move. You have nowhere to call your own or to keep your belongings safe. It can be dangerous - you are more likely to be the victim of violence if you're experiencing homelessness. And you are also vulnerable to exploitation by others.

Homelessness also makes it harder to get the support you need. Without a permanent address, you can't register with a GP, claim benefits, or in most cases, find a job.

The young people who come to us for help are often struggling with their mental health and their physical health can be suffering too, particularly if they are sleeping outside.

They usually have very little money and nowhere else to turn. They have often been let down by adults in their lives and can find it hard to trust others. Many have experienced trauma in their early lives and feel it is safer to leave home than stay, or they simply have nowhere to go.

We are also seeing a huge increase in Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) who come to us with nothing and you can imagine the challenges they have had to contend with. Many of the stories are frankly harrowing.

You are helping us address these issues and creating brighter futures for these young people who have so much of their lives yet to come. We cant do what we do without the support of our community, and we are grateful and humbled by your support.