Ellie Goulding challenges misconceptions of being homeless as she backs Evening Standard's Christmas appeal

Ellie Goulding today challenged “misconceptions” about homelessness as she became the latest star to support the Evening Standard’s Christmas Appeal.

The singer, 29, expressed her concern that so many of those on the streets are young as she backed the Young and Homeless Helpline.

Goulding, who was speaking at Centrepoint’s hostel in Soho, has volunteered at homeless centres for the past five years.

She said: “There is definitely a misconception over homelessness. When people think of homeless people they probably think of a male, someone who’s a bit older.

Ellie Goulding: The singer spoke of the misconceptions surrounding homelessness (Centrepoint)
Centrepo

“In reality, in London, homelessness is something that affects a lot of young people, and that really put it into perspective for me. That, to me, is so much worse.

“The causes are another misconception. It can be as small as a family break-up, or not getting on with your dad or your mum. It could happen to any of us.

“Some people have very unique family situations and you can easily see how people could make a decision to turn away from that.

Ellie with Centrepoint residents (L-R) Brookemorgan Henry-Rennie, Anna McGrane, Shineze Henry-Wallace, Felicia Samugana
Centrepoint

“There is a stigma of what a homeless person is — that they abuse drugs or abuse alcohol. It’s just not true.

"Some people come from very normal backgrounds, very normal situations and something goes wrong. Getting back out of that situation is hard.”

Goulding joins stars including Kate Moss, Craig David, Roger Daltrey, Stephen Fry and Nile Rodgers in backing our appeal.

It is raising money to help Centrepoint launch a Freephone and online service helpline in February to enable people aged 16 to 25, who are homeless or facing homelessness, to speak to an advice worker and be linked to other support services.

Goulding said: “One thing I’ve noticed is that there hasn’t ever been one, unified service and an easy way to get help.

"At the moment there isn’t a single, coherent source of information for young people to access and go to when they’re in trouble.

“The Freephone helpline would give people a very clear way to get help and can be something that is easily accessible.

Homeless helpline: The Freephone will support young homeless people
Matt Writtle

“I know there are a lot of young people out there who are on the verge of homelessness because they might be having trouble at home or having an issue with a family member, or even more seriously with domestic violence.”

At the hostel, Goulding gave advice on how to succeed in the entertainment industry.

She said: “I’ve been meeting young people interested in doing creative things, from aspiring singers to musicians.

"They were asking for advice and how to get the confidence to perform. The hostel is about encouraging them to live independently.

"Many of them lose their support network, lose their confidence. You might find you no longer have family and friends around you.”

The singer urged people to show kindness to homeless people at Christmas, emphasising that just sparing a moment to speak to people on the streets can be as important as donating.

Reach out: Ellie urged people to show kindness to homeless people this Christmas

She said: “It’s important to remember that interaction with a person is really valuable.

"Just stopping and talking and giving a bit of time to somebody, people can forget how important that can be.

"I would like to just ask for people to be on the lookout.

“It’s freezing cold at the moment — please do stop, give whatever change you have.

"That moment of interaction really is valuable. If you become more open to the problem and don’t turn your back on it you suddenly realise there is a lot you can do.”

The Evening Standard's Homeless Helpline appeal is raising money for the Centrepoint Helpline, a brand new support service that will save young people from ending up on the streets.

To donate please visit our Just Giving page.

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