Supporting Young Women, Rebuilding Futures: Visit to New Horizon Youth Centre

In July, the Women’s Irish Network (WIN), alongside the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), visited New Horizon to learn more about how our funding is helping make a tangible difference.

Every year, thousands of young people in London face homelessness. Many are women, and many are fleeing trauma, exploitation or instability. New Horizon, based near King’s Cross, is one of the few organisations offering day-to-day sanctuary for 16 to 24-year-olds with nowhere else to go.

Open 365 days a year, New Horizon provides food, showers, laundry, healthcare, housing advice, education and emotional support. Their work is trauma-informed, holistic, and, above all, rooted in respect. Young women, men and non-binary youth are welcomed into a safe and nurturing space where they can begin to regain stability and self-worth.

IYF Visit to New Horizon

We learned that emergency grants from IYF helped fund over 130 nights of accommodation in the past year, offering young people much-needed respite from life on the streets. With homelessness among under-25s rising, these interventions are often the turning point between chaos and care.

We were particularly moved by New Horizon’s renewed focus on young women. Many arrive following domestic violence or family breakdown. The team is currently developing a dedicated women’s strategy to ensure these individuals receive tailored, consistent care. From yoga and art workshops to therapy and access to a nurse and mental health practitioner, the support is wide-ranging and deeply personal.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between New Horizon, IYF and WIN is one we are proud to support. This is not just about emergency funding. It is about standing with young adults and in particular, young women as they reclaim their futures. With the right support, young women can build lives filled with confidence, stability and purpose. New Horizon is helping make that happen, and we are honoured to stand beside them.

Learn more about the work New Horizon does here.