Across the UK thousands of vulnerable young people end up as hidden homeless due to overcrowding in the family home, leaving care, rent arrears or partner/relationship breakdown. These hidden homeless do not show up on official figures. Many of them manage to keep off of the streets by sofa surfing on friend’s or family’s couches, squatting, or staying in insecure accommodation. 

For young pregnant mothers homelessness adds to the stress of becoming a new parent and increases risk of postnatal depression, mental health problems and attachment difficulties.  

The negative outcomes faced by babies and children born to young mothers include: