Every young person should have somewhere to call home. This is not the case; this is why I am running the London marathon for a fantastic charity for a cause that is so worthwhile.

MACS is Northern Ireland's youth-specific homelessness charity.

MACS offer a range of services and support to young people aged 18-25 who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.

The right support at the right time equips and empowers young people to avoid or break free from the cycle of homelessness and the associated risks.

The reasons and factors involved in young people becoming homeless are often complex and often outside of the young person's control. Many have experienced the loss or illness of a parent, relationship breakdown, poverty, abuse or other adverse experiences during childhood.

Once young people experience homelessness their risk of exploitation, drug misuse, exposure to criminality, unemployment, poor educational outcomes, worsening mental health and longer term homelessness increases.

MACs have intensive services; typically a young person will avail of up to 2 years of MACS support. Our support is personalised and holistic in nature, we aim to equip and empower each young person to face the individual set of challenges they face, they aim to deliver the type of support that any young person should expect to receive as they transition to adulthood and find a place to call home.

With the right support young people can and do build brighter futures

Together, we can end youth homelessness in NI.

MACS core services include:

Supported Housing

Floating Support

Shared Tenancies

Wellbeing Support

Led By You

We work in the areas of highest deprivation across Greater Belfast, Lisburn, Downpatrick, Newry and the County Down area.