Upstream: A New Approach to Preventing Youth Homelessness

Upstream is a pioneering, school-based programme that identifies young people at risk of homelessness early, often before teachers or other services are aware.

Rooted in the lived experiences of young people, Upstream unlocks support and resources that can prevent homelessness and other life challenges from defining their futures.

Why Upstream Matters

Youth homelessness is a significant issue in Scotland, with over 9,000 young people aged 16–25 seeking help each year. Across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire nearly 900 young people present as homeless annually with relationship breakdown being the most significant factor stated by young people as the cause. But Behind these numbers are stories of hidden struggles: sofa surfing, mental health challenges, family conflict, and housing insecurity that often go unnoticed until a crisis occurs.

Homelessness is far harder to resolve once it becomes sustained or recurring. Rather than waiting until a young person presents to a local authority as homeless, Upstream Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire identifies children and families at risk and provides tailored support before a crisis develops.

How It Works

“Upstream is the whisper before the conversation.” Upstream Cymru

We use a confidential universal screener with whole year groups to assess four key areas linked to homelessness risk: Housing, Wellbeing, Resilience, and School Life. This approach helps us spot hidden needs and connect young people with the right support before problems escalate.

Working in close partnership with schools and communities, we support young people and their families to discover their potential, overcome challenges and build their own positive future.

The Upstream approach in essence includes 3 components:

  1. Universal screening tool for young people to confidentially assess their own risks

  2. 1to1 conversations

  3. Connect to Coordinated Tailored Support and resources

The survey is anonymised but uses unique identifiers so that young people at risk can be quickly and sensitively engaged by trusted adults. Support is then tailored and agreed with the young person.

The Bigger Picture

Upstream is more than a programme—it’s a long-term systems change initiative. It takes time to embed and see impact. Here in the North East, over the past two years, Aberdeen Foyer has been supporting young people using this approach in participating schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. We will continue to build on our progress and work with more schools and communities in the months ahead.

The Upstream model first originated in Australia where it achieved a 40% reduction in youth homelessness. It had since has been adapted for use in Canada, Wales by our partners Llamau, other areas in Scotland by our partners The Rock Trust and more recently in England and Northern Ireland.

By shifting focus to prevention, Upstream aims to reduce homeless presentations, improve educational engagement, and ultimately help young people thrive.