I left the care system with little support but 2,000 changed everything'

"Findings collated by King's College London and the Centre for Homelessness Impact showed that young people who had received the money were more likely to be in stable housing and less likely to be sofa-surfing than those who had not been given the payment. They were also found to be happier and to have stronger relationships, and were less likely to stay overnight in hospital."

"On receiving the phone call to inform her that she would be given 2,000 cash as part of a no-strings-attached payment, Aeryn was shocked. My partner and I were just staring at each other. I was speechless for a good 10 minutes, she said. These things don't happen often to me; I'm not a very lucky person."

The first UK trial testing unconditional cash transfers on homelessness provided £2,000 lump sums to young people leaving care. Research from King's College London and the Centre for Homelessness Impact demonstrated significant positive outcomes for recipients. Young people receiving the payment were more likely to secure stable housing, less likely to sofa-surf, reported greater happiness, and maintained stronger relationships. They also engaged more frequently with health services and experienced fewer overnight hospital stays. The trial included participants like Aeryn, who had been in care and subsequently pursued university education, demonstrating how financial support can facilitate life transitions and stability for vulnerable youth.

Read at www.independent.co.uk