Bringing families back together

Our Reconnect service offers support and mediation to families in conflict, helping to improve communication, rebuild relationships, and give young people the skills they need to navigate difficult relationships in the future.

whY reconnect?

Family breakdown is the biggest cause of youth homelessness.

Many young people experience tensions at home, especially during key moments of transition or change. These challenges, if unresolved, can lead to young people leaving the family home before they’re ready, often without a safe place to go.

Reconnect supports young people to remain in or return to the family home. Where that’s not appropriate, we work with the young person to build the support networks that will be vital to moving on independently.

Portrait of Reconnect worker Bethany Owen

We listen without taking sides. We guide small, manageable conversations, help people feel heard, and support them to rebuild trust at their own pace. It’s not therapy. It’s not social work. It’s about connection, conversation, and care. Bethany Owen, Reconnect Worker

We were just shouting, trying to be heard. But through Reconnect, we finally understood each other’s points of view Caitlin

How reconnect works

Young people (aged 11-25) identified as being at risk of homelessness due to family conflict can be referred to Reconnect via their school, social services or another charity.

The young person and their family are then invited to attend a series of one-to-one and joint sessions with an accredited mediator. These sessions provide a safe space to:

share perspectives and concerns
improve communication and mutual understanding
explore practical ways to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships
agree how to move forward in the young person’s best interests.

By keeping families together and developing strong support systems, Reconnect prevents young people from ever having to experience the dangers of homelessness.