Milton Keynes is experiencing a crisis in youth homelessness and has recently been labelled the Youth Homelessness Capital of the UK - Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

YMCA Milton Keynes is a local charity that has so far supported over 10,000 vulnerable young people in the city not only with a safe place to stay, but with a range of support services that empower them to belong, contribute and thrive.

The number of young people experiencing homelessness are at a record high and the demand for our services is higher than ever. Around 60% of homelessness is hidden which means walking around the city you may pass someone who doesn't have a place to call home. The average age for a first time buyer in Milton Keynes is 37 and private house rentals are rising 26% faster than the average household income.

In response, we are building a new, bigger facility with an emphasis on taking young people out of poverty and into employment and permanent accommodation. Our new three stage approach of support and accommodation will support 199 people so they can feel they belong, teach them how to contribute and allow them to thrive within our local community. We need your support to help us furnish our campus so we can work with our young people straight away, giving them the best opportunity during their time with YMCA MK.

Interdirect, Howes Percival, MK College, PJ Care and Xero are local businesses hosting a 25-mile day walk around the parks of Milton Keynes in aid of YMCA MK.

Sign up today as a team of five with a registration fee of £30 per person and raise as much as you can to help reach our target which will completely furnish four rooms for four young people in the new campus. Register your team today by emailing: challengewalk@inter.direct

Dust off your walking boots and take a step forward to making a difference in your local community.