Hertsmere leads the way

A free conference is being held this month to share best practice on dealing with youth homelessness.

Aimed at agencies who can help tackle the problem, the event is being organised by Hertsmere Borough Council, named as the regional centre of excellence for youth homelessness for 2007/2008.

In 2006/2007 6,061 young people were accepted as homeless nationally, and in the east region this figure was 655.

Nationally in 2006/2007, 11% of young people who were accepted for assistance as homeless were care leavers aged 18 to 20 years. This rose to 14% in the east region and of all the English regions, the east is the fourth largest user of bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless 16 and 17 year olds.

The Government selected one local authority within each English region to act as the Regional Centre of Excellence for Youth Homelessness. In the east region this is Hertsmere Borough Council.

Andrew Weaver, head of housing, said: "Being selected to be the centre of excellence for the region demonstrates our commitment to working with other agencies to tackle youth homelessness.

"We hope the conference will be useful in sharing ideas and best practice on tackling the issues across the whole of the area."

The authority has organised the conference in order to:

• Bring together local authorities and service providers within the east region to consider local performance, young people's needs and issues, local solutions and approaches, and requirements for cross-boundary working or new partnerships
• Share experience and expertise
• Demonstrate successful approaches to local authorities and service providers.

Delegates can expect to hear about examples of good practice in the region which have produced positive outcomes in either preventing or tackling youth homelessness. There will be presentations on:

• Crashpad schemes
• Supported housing schemes
• Supported lodging schemes
• Working with schools and educating young people on housing
• Mediation schemes
• Multi-agency protocols
• Accommodation and support services for 16 and 17 year olds.

There will be guest speakers from Communities and Local Government, and national charity Shelter.