Every year, thousands of young people across London become homeless through no fault of their own, with many going unnoticed. To mark World Homeless Day, and to raise money, to support young people experiencing homelessness and give their potential a home, the leading London youth homelessness charity New Horizon Youth Centre is hosting a showstopping Massaoke event on the 10th October.

The all-singing, all-dancing Massaoke event will see Granary Square in King’s Cross taken over by hoards of revellers, as a live band smashes out the greatest anthems of all time, accompanied by big screens showcasing the lyrics – bringing the London community together to sing in aid of a good cause.

Massaoke is set to be a seriously fun evening and will close New Horizon Youth Centre’s 10 Days To Take On Youth Homelessness; a new campaign in association with Argent, and a range of diverse businesses in the heart of London. Taking place from 1st October through to World Homeless Day on October 10th, 10 Days To Take On Youth Homelessness will transform the King’s Cross area with creative advertising, including a rebrand of the area’s popular Light Tunnel. There will also be opportunities to donate by using electronic devices and donation points in public spaces and participating shops, bars and restaurants.

Every year New Horizon Youth Centre supports over 1,000 young people at its day centre and through their outreach support who have nowhere else to go. They may have to sleep rough, they may be sofa surfing. Many will not even realise they are homeless. However, the young people who come to New Horizon are young people first and homeless second and many of the activities on offer at the centre are there for young people to have fun, just like Massaoke. The activities, from boxing to baking, help young people explore their passions while increasing their confidence and resilience and help them to make new friends. It is these capabilities that ensure that when young people move on from the New Horizon, they have the tools they need to achieve their potential.

Phil Kerry, CEO of New Horizon, said: “Whilst the homelessness crisis is clear to everyone living and working in and around King’s Cross, for young people who are struggling to get by, their problems often go under the radar, leaving them invisible to the everyday passer-by. It is our mission at the New Horizon Youth Centre to make sure that their stories aren’t left unheard- that’s why we’re partnering with the King’s Cross community to raise awareness for youth homelessness in the run up to World Homeless Day. It is a real opportunity for businesses and the public to come together to support those who struggle to build a better life because they’re simply lost in the daily battle of trying to find somewhere to sleep.”

With over 176 million people passing through King’s Cross every year, the takeover is a unique event showcasing simple ways in which people and businesses can play their part in taking on youth homelessness. Local businesses can get involved in 10 Days to Take on Youth Homelessness by organising fundraising events or an activity for young people at New Horizon Youth Centre or at their workplace, or by hosting a talk or event about youth homelessness with staff and young people.