'I found myself alone in a park at night, I was so scared'

Merchants Quay Ireland HQ in Dublin City. MQI has witnessed a 60% increase in those aged between 18 and 24 accessing emergency accommodation. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

“I’ve never belonged anywhere,” said 18-year-old Cian*. 

“Until I was about eight, I wasn't really allowed outside [and] never had friends. My stepmother drinks about 20 bottles of beer every day for the last six or seven years. She took all of my Confirmation money. I never got one euro of it.