Roundabout is the South Yorkshire charity committed to ending youth homelessness across Sheffield and Rotherham. Every day, it supports more than 500 young people aged 13 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, providing the advice, accommodation and support they need to build brighter futures.

For almost 50 years, the charity has been helping vulnerable young people overcome homelessness. Its work has recently been highlighted in a new evaluation report of National Lottery-funded projects delivered by the Roundabout team.

At a time when homelessness and rough sleeping continue to rise nationally, the report highlights the critical role charities like Roundabout play in preventing homelessness and supporting young people before they reach crisis point.

The impact of this work can be seen across South Yorkshire, with Sheffield and Rotherham recognised as the only combined city area in the country where no young person under the age of 25 is sleeping rough.

Preventing youth homelessness

For the past four years, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Reaching Communities England programme has provided vital support for three of Roundabout’s most successful homelessness prevention services.

The Drop In Service, open five days a week, provides advice, information and practical support to help prevent homelessness and find immediate solutions for young people who are already homeless.

Talk It Out is a specialist mediation service that works with young people and their families to resolve difficulties within the family home that can lead to homelessness.

The Peer Education Programme delivers interactive sessions, usually in schools, raising awareness of youth homelessness and providing young people with information about where they can access support before they reach crisis point.

Roundabout has now secured a further £455,306 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support its homelessness prevention work over the next five years.

The funding will enable the charity to continue delivering its Peer Education, Homelessness Prevention and Crisis Intervention services across Sheffield, while expanding these vital services into Rotherham, helping thousands more young people access support before they reach crisis point.

Some of our Peer Educators at our Homeless Prevention Service. Photo – Centre For Youth Homelessness Impact.

Building brighter futures

Helping young people build brighter futures depends on the support of many people and organisations. Alongside major funders, Roundabout also relies on the continued generosity of people across South Yorkshire, who do everything from organising quizzes and bake sales to taking on challenges such as climbing Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro.

Chief Executive Ben Keegan said:

“At Roundabout, we understand the importance of providing the highest level of tailored support to our young people and helping them reach their full potential.

“That’s why we’ve developed a range of services to meet the unique needs of each individual, providing an inclusive and dynamic environment where young people can access the support they need to achieve a brighter future.

“None of what we do would be possible without the powerful collaborations we’ve built with local councils, including Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, local businesses, funders, community partners and the generous people of Sheffield and Rotherham. Together, we can build a future where every young person can grow and thrive in a place they call home.”

Roundabout CEO Ben Keegan. Photo – The Royal Foundation

Whether by making a donation, taking part in a fundraising event, volunteering or partnering with Roundabout, every contribution helps prevent youth homelessness and gives vulnerable young people the opportunity to build brighter futures.

Every young person deserves a safe place to call home. Explore our services, fundraising events and ways to support Roundabout, and discover how you can help end youth homelessness across Sheffield and Rotherham.

Find out more:

> Our work – Find out how we support young people across Sheffield and Rotherham.

> Donate – Help provide safe accommodation and life-changing support.

> Fundraising events – Take part in one of our upcoming events.

> Get Involved – Discover ways to get involved and make a difference.

> Young People’s Stories – Read the inspiring stories of the young people we’ve supported.