More than 1,000 school children in the island have been educated about homelessness over the past year.

This was as a result of Housing Matters’ peer education programme, which was launched in 2017.

It aimed to tell primary and secondary school students about the issues of homelessness from a young age and the ’stark reality’ of living without permanent accommodation by using real life experiences and stories.

The two lockdowns in the last year hit the charity’s ability to provide sessions during the spring and summer terms, but Housing Matters was able to engage with 270 15- and 16-year-olds at Ramsey Grammar School, 250 15- and 16-year-olds and sixth form students at Castle Rushen High School and 530 14- to 16-year-olds and sixth-form pupils at St Ninian’s High School during the autumn term.

During the sessions, Housing Matters focused on the pandemic and the issues it brought to those without a permanent residence, such as ’how does a homeless person self-isolate?’ and ’how can you sofa surf if you are unable to move from house to house?’

Katie Farrell, peer education coordinator for Housing Matters, said: ’Early education is absolutely key - ensuring young people know the facts rather than the romanticised view of living with friends.

’Over the past five years, we have had a really positive impact on our local young people with the rollout of the peer education programme, and this is backed up by our statistics.’

She continued: ’Statistics show that you are only three pay cheques away from potential homelessness.

’In a three-month lockdown, on a significantly reduced income, how do you continue to pay rent and support yourself and your family?

’These are the messages that are so important to get across to young people and what we have focused our attention to this academic year.’

Since Housing Matters launched the programme, the charity has seen an overall reduction of 26% of under-21s contacting it for advice, housing and other support.

Ms Farrell thanked property developer Dandara for its ’fantastic support’ and said it had made ’a real difference to our young people and their future’.

The amount Dandara paid to support the scheme was not disclosed.