'I felt like I was trapped in a cage' - how hidden homelessness in Guernsey is on the rise

A man who says he was "trapped" by homelessness says Guernsey needs to do more to help young people struggling.

24-year-old Tian Sweet became homeless last year and had to "sofa surf" for five months.

His work hours were cut back and with less income, he could not pay his bills on time.

This resulted in him being evicted from his home.

Tian Sweet now has a new home and has two jobs. But he reflects on the experience as like being "trapped in a cage".

Action for Children says there has been an increase in "hidden homelessness" over the past 18 months.

The charity has seen many more young people "sofa surfing or struggling to find any permanent accommodation".

Action for Children have various programmes to help young people in difficult situations.

One scheme the charity is hoping to expand is 'Night Stop'. It currently has four volunteers who host young people in emergency situations.

They can stay with a host for a few nights until Action for Children can help them find more permanent accommodation.

Kareena Hogdson hopes to recruit volunteers who live in different places across the island.

The President of the States of Guernsey Employment and Social Security Committee agrees emergency housing has "fallen through the cracks".

The committee is setting up a new work stream to establish how emergency housing provision can be improved in Guernsey.

Deputy Peter Roffey says the policy will then be taken back to the States Assembly.

Deputy Roffey agreed that "more needs to be done" to support young people and he is "committed" to tackling the issue.