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Teen Activist Pushes for Affordable Homes Amid Homelessness Surge

1/21/2026

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Scarlett Advocates Housing

Scarlett, 15, founder of Mission:Home, campaigns for new council homes in Brighton to address rising family homelessness.
Brighton and Hove City Council plans to invest £10 million in temporary homes and pursue long-term affordable housing as family homelessness hits a four-year high.
A public consultation for four homes in Woodingdean ends on February 3 with Scarlett seeking community backing.

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Lock Family Advocates ADHD

Matthew Lock's parents campaign for improved ADHD support in Westminster after their son took his life in 2023.
They say his impulsive decision tied to undiagnosed ADHD and call for early school screenings and better GP training.
Bill Esterson, their local MP, leads a parliamentary debate on timely diagnoses, citing over 600,000 people in England awaiting assessment, while the family has established a charity for ADHD education.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 financial crisis significantly increased family homelessness in England, with over 100,000 families affected. By 2023, the number of households in temporary accommodation reached a record 104,510. Brighton and Hove City Council's £10 million investment in temporary homes and Scarlett's campaign for new council homes underscore the urgent need for affordable housing amid rising homelessness, which threatens social stability.

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Scarlett Advocates Housing

Scarlett, 15, founder of Mission:Home, campaigns for new council homes in Brighton to address rising family homelessness.
Brighton and Hove City Council plans to invest £10 million in temporary homes and pursue long-term affordable housing as family homelessness hits a four-year high.
A public consultation for four homes in Woodingdean ends on February 3 with Scarlett seeking community backing.

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