Sophie Estelle

As Head of Services – Rough Sleeping for New Horizons Youth Centre, I oversee the PAN London Outreach Team and the Emergency Youth Hub Accommodation, both funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA). The teams work is centred on delivering best-practice approaches to support young rough sleepers, with a focus on preventing rough sleeping. 

A key focus of our work is reaching and engaging marginalised and underrepresented young people, including those from minority communities, and those affected by substance use, neurodiversity, mental health challenges, and hidden homelessness. We are committed to building trust-based relationships that are trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally sensitive, recognising the unique barriers these groups face in accessing support. 

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to working with individuals facing with multiple and complex disadvantages. I strive to ensure that our services remain inclusive, person-centred, and adaptable to the needs of the most vulnerable. As a qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and former manager of complex needs hostels and domestic abuse services, I am passionate about driving strategic change across the sector and shaping services that truly reflect the lived experiences of the people we support.