Students from Bushey Hall School spent a day learning about the realities of youth homelessness and its link to family and school problems.

Year 9 students at the London Road school were visited by Kim Harwood and Sue Gordon, Hertsmere Borough Council's managers for the homeless.

Some 30 years of dealing with homeless issues brought the students a deep insight into the causes of homelessness and ways young people could unintentionally cut off the support they could get if they found themselves out of home or wanting to leave.

Pupils learned that although local authorities have to give priority to 16 and 17 year olds who are homeless, those very people may not be eligible for help if their behaviour has contributed to them becoming homeless. This included being difficult at school or at home and not fully considering the consequences of their actions as they consider making themselves homeless.

Councillor Hannah David, housing and planning portfolio holder, said: "We were delighted to work with Bushey Hall School on this initiative. It’s great for our officers to have the opportunity to talk to young people in person about the reality of leaving home at 16 or 17.

"It's not as easy or straight forward as some may think so it is important that young people realise they are accountable for their actions and that their behaviour at school and at home can influence their chances of being housed and can also affect their job opportunities.”

She added: "Young people tend to be better equipped for adulthood if they do well at school and live in a stable environment so the visit was about reinforcing that message."

Shafeeka Fakhoury, Key Stage 3 progress manager at Bushey Hall School, said: "I was very pleased to welcome this initiative from the council.

"The workshop highlighted the issues that local authorities have to take into consideration when they allocate housing to young people and gave a powerful message to pupils that good behaviour in and outside of school will lead to more options and choices in the future.

"Following the workshop in the morning we actually dedicated the whole school day to the issues around youth homelessness and feedback from pupils was all positive."

Hertsmere Borough Council is the centre of excellence for youth homelessness for the east region and has previously visited two other schools with a similar programme. Other visits to local schools are being planned.