As part of Simon Week 2024, Galway Simon Community is to host a conference on Youth Homelessness in the ILAS Centre in the University of Galway this Friday, September 27 from 10am to 1pm.
Titled “Addressing Youth Homelessness - What Works,” the conference will focus on effective responses to youth homelessness, bringing together local, international and client perspectives to share insights and explore practical solutions.
Speaking at the event are: Heidi Walter, Programme Design and Training Consultant, A Way Home Canada; Sinéad Healy, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Kirsten Hewitt, Simon Community, Northern Ireland; and Aisling O’Hara, Galway Simon Community. The conference will also hear from a young person supported by Galway Simon on her experience of homelessness.
In the latest figures released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, there were 84 young people aged 18 to 24 in Emergency Accommodation in the West, a 12% increase on the previous year, while nationally the figure stood at 1,700. In 2023 Galway Simon’s Youth Service supported 59 young adult households through its Prevention Service and provided homes to 26 young adults, including 2 families with 2 children.
Speaking about the conference, Karen Golden, CEO, Galway Simon said, they are delighted to be hosting a conference on such an important topic and are very pleased to be joined by some of the leading experts in the area.
“Homelessness among young adults is one of the fastest growing cohorts both locally and nationally, and it is critical that we put in place responses to the crisis that will prevent young adults accessing Emergency Accommodation.
“We know from our own Youth Service that if we can divert young people away from Emergency Accommodation the long-term outcomes for the young people are much more positive,” she added.
There is no charge to attend the conference, but if you wish to attend please register in advance at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/addressing-youth-homelessness-what-works-tickets-999217565637
