This powerful video released by Focus Ireland shows how easily young people can slip through the cracks when they leave state care, and become homeless when left to their own devices. The video, called “I can’t sleep” shows how a little can go a long way in terms of supporting a young person when finding their feet, and how the slippery slope into homelessness can be avoided.

According to Focus Ireland, 500 young people leave state care every year, many of whom struggle to adapt to life alone, without family to support them. We currently have over 8,000 homeless people in Ireland, and one third of people in emergency accommodation are children.

The video tells the story of Lucy, who represents one of the many supported by Focus to find their way, and shows how different her life could be, were it not for the small contribution, and the comfort of having someone to turn to.

You can support Focus in many ways, one of which is to donate €4 by texting HOME to 50300. Bord Gáis Energy has promised to match every €1 donated to Focus Ireland so your donation will go even further than normal.

These are not strangers, these kids are potentially our siblings, friends, classmates, and neighbors. We can all do a little to help others. A little kindness can go a long way.