Not Everyone Goes Home for Christmas. 

Youth homelessness is a critical issue in Bristol.  

Each year we support over 1000 young people in immediate housing crisis and facing complex challenges, including family breakdown, mental health needs, and limited access to support. Without stable housing, young people struggle to stay in education, find employment, or build a secure futures, deepening cycles of poverty and marginalisation across the city. 

For many, Christmas is a time of warmth, family, and home. But for too many young people, this season looks very different. 

Every night, young people across the South West face the reality of homelessness, sofa surfing, sleeping rough, or living in unsafe accommodation. Christmas only makes these challenges feel sharper, as the world around them celebrates what they’re missing. 

“Some people’s families have been ripped apart, and they are alone… taking on everything by themselves.”

“You can have a lot of resentment seeing other people celebrate Christmas… Thinking ‘everyone else has what I don’t have.’”  

— Young Person supported by 1625 Independent People 

At 1625 Independent People, we’re here for young people who don’t have a home to go to this Christmas, making sure they have safety, support, and someone in their corner. We provide safe housing, education opportunities, and the tailored support young people need to build independence and thrive. 

This Christmas, you can help us change the story. By contributing to our campaign you can make a real difference for young people who deserve to feel valued and cared for. 

Together, we can make sure no young person feels left behind this Christmas. 

Our Goals: 

With your support this Christmas, we aim to: 

🏠 Support frontline workers in our MAPS center, offering safe accommodation and helping young people cover essential needs like travel, food, and mobile data through                 the Big Give Christmas Challenge
🎁 Give every young person we support a Christmas gift to bring joy and belonging
💛 Sustain our wider vital services in education, employment, and mental health support to help create long-term opportunities beyond the holiday season.

How Your Donation Helps 

Whether it’s helping a young person with travel or food essentials, making sure they receive a Christmas gift, or funding long-term support so they can look beyond the holidays, your donation makes a real difference. 

• • £5.90 buys a student day rider so a young person can travel to and from college. 
  • £10.00 provides a warm meal or festive treat for a young person at Christmas. 
  • £12.97 funds an art set — a creative Christmas gift for someone spending the holidays away from family. 
  • £25.00 pays for a haircut for a job interview — giving a young person confidence to step into work or training. 
  • £26.99 buys a new pair of trainers — for a young person who may not receive a present otherwise. 
  • £34.99 funds a baking or festive activity with a youth worker — creating connection and memories during the holidays. 
  • £45.00 contributes towards therapy, wellbeing sessions or home essentials— supporting them to stay safe and reduce crisis. 
  • £50.00 covers a student’s academic resources for a year — such as textbooks and stationery. 
  • £100.00 pays for one month of education at our Youth Education Services. 

Hear directly from the Young People and find out how your support is helping them in their journeys towards independence.