Youth councillor Liberty Davies-Neill (second from right) with representatives from the Pillion Trust and the Anna Scher theatre

A YOUTH councillor has told how she wants to help tackle homelessness during her time in the role.

Liberty Davies-Neill led a discussion on youth homelessness last Thursday and said the government needs “to provide more spaces and places for young people to sleep, so they feel safe.”

The fundraising event, which took place at the Ringcross Community Centre by Caledonian Road, saw organisations from across the borough come together to listen to young people share their experiences of homelessness.

The representatives from Empower Islington, Lifelong Projects, Anna Scher theatre, and the Pillion Trust also discussed how the charities could collaborate to improve housing options for under-25s.

Ms Davies-Neill spoke about her own father ‘s experience being on the streets when he was a teenager.

“I know what it’s like to live on the street, because my Dad went through it when he was a kid, when he was only 15 years of age”, Ms Davies-Neill told the meeting.

“He doesn’t want any other young person to go through what he went through. I don’t want any young person to go through that.”

Ms Davies-Neill, who has Prader-Willi Syndrome, was appointed to the Youth Council in November 2022.

She overcame a series of learning disabilities to claim the position, and has since tried to implement her three-point manifesto.

Her goals are to improve access to healthy food, support animal welfare, and tackle youth homelessness.

Ms Davies-Neill told the Tribune: “I don’t think the government is taking big [enough steps]. They say they want to help, and they’re trying to do their best to help every young person who is struggling but they’re not.”

Funds from the event will go towards a new Crash Pad project by the Pillion Trust – a building open to young homeless people in need of a place to sleep, eat, and have a shower. A previous site was closed in May 2019.

Savvas Panas, who runs the Pillion Trust, said he hopes the new building will be a place for vulnerable young people to feel safe.