Routes Out 2026: The National Youth Homelessness Conference

Centrepoint is proud to host the eighth National Youth Homelessness Conference, bringing together sector leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and young people with lived experience to explore the critical pathways that support young people in moving on from homelessness and into independence.

This year’s theme, “Routes Out of Homelessness,” will spotlight innovative models and bold ideas shaping the future of youth homelessness support.

Speakers include:

• Vicky Spratt, Columnist and Correspondent for The i Paper, Author and Radio 4 Presenter
• Seyi Obakin, OBE, CEO, Centrepoint
• Liz Laurence, Strategic Initiatives Director, Homewards
• Alicia Walker, Director, Shelter
• Sally Orlopp, Director of People, Property and Independent Living, Centrepoint
• Jane Scott, Transformation Lead, London Borough of Croydon Children, Families and Education Department
• Ben Cohen, Director, Good Innovation
• Sam Dumitriu, Head of Policy, Britain Remade
• Simon Green, CEO, Milton Keynes YMCA
• Samara Jones, Housing First Europe Hubs Lead, FEANTSA/ Housing First Europe
• Laura Rutter, Service Manager - Rent Deposit Scheme, Centrepoint
• Paul Morrish, Chief Executive, LandAid
• Mark Fox, Director of Strategic Accounts, Portakabin Limited
• Rob Saggs, Chief Executive Officer, CHESS Homeless
• James Muller, Managing Director, Safe Haven London
• Simon Fowler, Director, Planning, Iceni
• Kelvin Anderson, Head of Talent and Regional Development, Movement to Work

Topics include:

• Independent Living Programmes and Stepping-Stone Accommodation
• Housing First for Youth: Learning from Local and International Perspectives
• Rent Deposit Schemes to Unlock Access to the Private Rented Sector
• Employment Initiatives that Support Young People into Sustainable Work
• Homes for the Future: Funding and Planning
• From Pilots to Practice: Practical AI lessons for the Sector
• Supporting trans and non binary young people out of homelessness and into secure, thriving homes - while navigating the implications of the Supreme Court ruling
• Powerful insights from Lived Experience Experts
  

Whether you're a frontline worker, policymaker, or someone passionate about ending youth homelessness, this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead change.

Delegates will be sent further information to select their preferred workshops a few weeks ahead of the event.

🎟️ Spaces are limited – book now to secure your place!

Centrepoint Partnering members:

Centrepoint Partnering Network members receive 2 free spaces for this event* Please enter your promotional code when booking.

For ticket amendments and Network membership enquiries please contact: centrepointpartnering@centrepoint.org

Refreshments:

A light lunch will be provided. Teas, coffees, water and snacks will also be provided throughout the day.

Directions to venue:

Situated in the heart of the UK the Coventry Building Society Arena is within a two-hour drive of 75% of the population. With three train stations within 8 miles, Birmingham International Airport only a 20 minute drive away, and London Euston 55 minutes by train. The Arena also has its own on-site railway station 'Coventry Arena Train Station'.

If you're travelling by car, Coventry Building Society Arena is just 800 yards from Junction 3 of the M6 and within easy distance of the M1 and M40.

Parking will be free for the conference. You will be sent a link to book your car in the carpark in your confirmation email.

For more details on travel please click here - https://www.coventrybuildingsocietyarena.co.uk/visiting-us/getting-here/

Click here to see the benefits of Coming Together to End Youth Homelessness.

Data Protection

Before you register for this conference, please read our supporters privacy notice. If you'd prefer not to hear from us, or would like to change your contact preferences, let us know by emailing dataprotection@centrepoint.org; Your details are safe with us.

*Agenda maybe subject to change.

* Network member tickets are available for a limited time and subject to availability.