Dudley North MP Ian Austin will be attending the YMCA’s Young People’s Award Ceremony this week to celebrate the work they do to combat homelessness and support vulnerable young people.

The awards ceremony is to reward the achievements of young people who have been with host families for the YMCA’s Supported Lodgings Project which finds homeless young people a place to stay with local families.
 
Austin has previously donated £500 from his Good Causes fund to the YMCA’s Open Doors Project which finds homes for homeless young people with local families. Mr Austin said:
 
“The YMCA does brilliant work in Dudley and the wider Black Country to support vulnerable youngsters and help tackle homelessness. Homelessness has shot up in recent years and is not only a problem in Dudley but across the Black Country and the whole of the West Midlands. 
 
“The number of people sleeping rough in the West Midlands has more than trebled, so at times like these organisations like the YMCA are vital is giving people the support to keep them off the streets. 
 
“I am always delighted to support organisations working with young people in Dudley, particularly those involved in improving education or opening up opportunities for young people.
 
Rachael Taylor, YMCA Supported Lodgings Manager added:
 
“Young People often get a bad press. I believe that not only do some people have short memories but the vast majority of young people are a real credit to their community.
 
“On our project, we see evidence of this every day. The Awards ceremony is to acknowledge this and celebrate some of the achievements.”