We aim to stop young people becoming and presenting as homeless through the development of our education work for post primary young people.  This includes the citizenship resource "An Introduction to Housing and Homelessness for Key Stage 3 Pupils", the "Key Issues" magazine and the Simon Community Peer Education group, Outspoken.

With over half of the people presenting to the Simon Community Northern Ireland under the age of 25, Simon Community has concentrated on identifying and addressing the main problems that contribute to youth homelessness.

If you would like a copy of any of our resources or further information about the Simon Community's education work, please contact the Education Unit on Tel: (028) 9068 6200; E-mail: education@simoncommunity.org.

Outspoken Peer Education Programme

The Simon Community's Peer Education Group, Outspoken, supports our education work by raising awareness of homeless issues and changing perceptions about homelessness.  Through fun, interactive workshops, led by people with personal experiences of homelessness, the Outspoken group seeks to provide life lessons on surviving on your own.

The peer educators are all volunteers recruited from amongst residents and former residents of the Simon Community.  Since they have experienced at first hand the trials of homelessness, they are able to speak with authority of the difficulties presented by the homeless lifestyle and the skills needed to avoid it.  They have all been trained to use their skills and talents to provoke thought, nurture independence and challenge stereotypes.

Click here to view Key Stage 2 Resource answer booklet that was launched in December 2007.

Safe Moves Programme

Safe Moves is an innovative programme that works with young people from 13 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. 

The programme has three elements – Life Skills, Peer Mentoring and Family Support.  The life skills training involves a range of skill development such as budgeting, cooking and time management.  Peer mentoring allows fully trained mentors to support the young people along their journey.  These mentors often share similar life experiences as the mentees and their advice and support is therefore invaluable.  The final element of the programme is family support which can take the form of phone calls, letter writing or one-to-one meetings.  The programme is designed to be beneficiary focussed so that the young person decides which elements best suit them and what speed and shape their journey will take. 

The overall aim of the programme is to ensure that each young person resides in the best place that suits their needs while developing with regards to their self-esteem and confidence as well as improving their vocational and employment opportunities.