Last summer, Barnet Homes commissioned youth charity Exposure to produce a film to show how the mediation work that they can help prevent young people from becoming homeless.

Homeless Truths, which lasts around eight minutes, is clearly set in the borough of Barnet. The film is seen through the eyes of a 16-year-old boy, Riley, who is experiencing problems at home which lead to him becoming homeless.

Barnet Homes is marking the completion of the film by sharing it with partners such as Nutmeg CommUNITY who will be holding interactive workshops with young people in Barnet schools.  They will also be holding a number of film events in November and December to show the film to other stakeholders.

Troy Henshall, Director of New Business and Growth said: “We are extremely proud of the work we do in preventing homelessness and this film is an excellent example of how mediation can keep families together and young people from living on the streets.”

Charlie Kanerack Early Intervention and Prevention Manager for Barnet Homes said: “We chose Exposure to do this film for us because we were very impressed with the youth work they have done in the local area, particularly with young people in Stonegrove estates youth club.”

Exposure’s Development Officer Flo Cudjoe added, “The aim of the film is to use it as a practical guide for professionals and other organisations who work with young people to prevent youth homelessness.”

Since 2009, the prevention outcome of young people in Barnet presenting as homeless has risen to 80 per cent, whilst the number of young people going into temporary accommodation has dropped by more than half because of a stronger emphasis on family mediation and prevention.

For more information about Barnet Homes’ Housing Options service please contact Kate Laffan:kate.laffan@barnethomes.org

For more information about the film, please contact Charlie Kanereck, Early Intervention and Prevention Manager for Barnet Homes: charlie.kanareck@barnethomes.org