Kate Moss backs Centrepoint Christmas appeal as she slams 'disturbing' number of young homeless

The model speaks out as she joins stars backing our helpline appeal
Christmas Appeal: Kate Moss has backed out campaign to build a helpline for young homeless people
Getty
Matt Watts23 November 2016

Kate Moss today said it was “disturbing” that young people were still sleeping rough in London, as she backed the Standard’s battle against homelessness.

The model gave her support to the Centrepoint Young and Homeless Helpline Christmas Appeal and expressed concern at rising levels of youth homelessness in the capital.

The number of people sleeping rough in London who are aged under 25 has almost tripled to 830 in the past five years, according to official statistics.

Moss, 42, said she was also worried about the thousands of “hidden homeless” across Britain who put themselves at risk by sleeping in strangers’ homes or on night buses to avoid staying on the street.

Helpline appeal: The model said she is worried about the 'hidden homeless'
Dave Benett

“It is disturbing to think that in 2016 young people are still forced to sleep rough,” she said.

Centrepoint’s work is invaluable in helping the most vulnerable put a roof over their head, somewhere they can feel safe and warm.

“It provides both physical and emotional support, teaching these young adults the life skills they need to live independently.”

The helpline will assist vulnerable under-25s in accessing support for housing, drug addiction, bullying, sexual abuse and other issues.

Moss has previously been involved in other fundraising work around the homeless.

Homeless appeal: Stephen Fry urged readers to think about the 'unlucky ones'

In 2010, rare photo portraits of her were auctioned to raise money for charity Crisis.

The year before, she was one of a number of stars to make a patchwork quilt which was sold for £9,500 to aid Shelter.

Other famous names backed the appeal today.

Stephen Fry said: “It may be silly and typically human to think so hard about young homeless people only at Christmas. But it’s a start.

"After all, the misery and loneliness is thrown into its sharpest relief at the coldest time of year when most of us are lucky enough to be with those we love, warm under a sheltering roof. So let’s do all we can to help the unlucky ones this year.”

Chic star Nile Rodgers — who was homeless in New York at the age of 16 and slept in subway carriages — said the helpline “could be the difference between life and death” for young people.

Nile Rodgers: The musician was presented with an award for his work with the homeless 
Frank Augstein/PA

He added: “There’s nothing like having something you can depend on.

"Something a lot of people don’t realise is that when you could be really down in the dumps and just knowing that there is a helping hand nearby, believe me it can truly be the difference between life and death.

Centrepoint gala and awards ceremony 2016

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“We had a number in NYC — honestly, that number was the difference and really saved lives.”

At a gala at Kensington Palace this month the musician and producer, who has worked with Diana Ross, David Bowie, Madonna and Lady Gaga, received an award from Centrepoint’s patron Prince William for his work on the issue.

Magician Troy Von Scheibner, who was drawn to the work of Centrepoint when several friends almost became homeless, said he was shocked that a dedicated helpline for youth homelessness did not already exist.

“I think it’s absolutely clear why the helpline is so vital: people feel they have no option and no one left, they know they have that line to talk to someone and they can be helped in some way,” he said.

Homeless helpline: Magician Troy Von Scheibner has said the helpline would be 'amazing' 
AFP

“It will be a new way to reach people who might be slipping through the net before it’s too late. It’s an amazing thing, I don’t know why it didn’t happen sooner. It’s what people are going be able to turn to in the real dark moments.”

The Evening Standard's Homeless Helpline appeal is raising money for the Centrepoint Helpline, a brand new support service that will save young people from ending up on the streets.

To donate please visit our Just Giving page.

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