Theresa May has spoken of putting “prevention at the heart of tackling homelessness” as she has unveiled £20 million of funding to stop people becoming rough sleepers on the streets of London.

Funding for “Homelessness Prevention Trailblazers” in 19 boroughs of the capital were among projects announced by the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

The announcement was made as she and Communities Secretary Sajid Javid visited the Employment Academy, run by the Thames Reach charity in Camberwell, south London.

“What I'm announcing today is the start of an ambitious programme which is actually putting prevention at the heart of tackling homelessness.

“I think this is important, we want to make sure that people don't become homeless in the first place.”

As well as the trailblazers, the Prime Minister also unveiled £10 million backing for projects aimed at helping those at “imminent risk” of becoming homeless.

Some £2 million will also be released in the form of social impact bonds, which see investors paid a dividend for successful projects.

The money comes from a national £50 million fund announced in October.

Southwark, where the academy is based, is to be given £393,000 to set up a No First Night Out scheme, based on other pilot schemes run in London.

Mrs May and Mr Javid met and spoke with former homeless people learning painting and decorating at the academy, which helps those in long-term unemployment learn skills and find jobs.

Chief executive Jeremy Swain welcomed the new money and the minister's interest, saying they were “very engaged”.

He said a “national endeavour to end rough sleeping” was required, adding: “It needs to be led from the very top, by the Government and we need to be very clear, rough sleeping in 2016 is both obscene and absurd, and it shouldn't be happening.

“Collectively, and I mean across the piece, local authorities, charities, businesses, we all have to work together to end rough sleeping.

The causes of homelessness Show all 7 1 /7 The causes of homelessness The causes of homelessness Family Breakdown Relationship breakdown, usually between young people and their parents or step-parents, is a major cause of youth homelessness. Around six in ten young people who come to Centrepoint say they had to leave home because of arguments, relationship breakdown or being told to leave. Many have experienced long-term problems at home, often involving violence, leaving them without the family support networks that most of us take for granted The causes of homelessness Complex needs Young people who come to Centrepoint face a range of different and complex problems. More than a third have a mental health issue, such as depression and anxiety, another third need to tackle issues with substance misuse. A similar proportion also need to improve their physical health. These problems often overlap, making it more difficult for young people to access help and increasing the chances of them becoming homeless Getty/iStock The causes of homelessness Deprivation Young people's chances of having to leave home are higher in areas of high deprivation and poor prospects for employment and education. Many of those who experience long spells of poverty can get into problem debt, which makes it harder for them to access housing Getty Images/iStockphoto The causes of homelessness Gang Crime Homeless young people are often affected by gang-related problems. In some cases, it becomes too dangerous to stay in their local area meaning they can end up homeless. One in six young people at Centrepoint have been involved in or affected by gang crime Getty Images/iStockphoto The causes of homelessness Exclusion From School Not being in education can make it much more difficult for young people to access help with problems at home or health problems. Missing out on formal education can also make it more difficult for them to move into work Getty Images/iStockphoto The causes of homelessness Leaving Care Almost a quarter of young people at Centrepoint have been in care. They often have little choice but to deal with the challenges and responsibilities of living independently at a young age. Traumas faced in their early lives make care leavers some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities, with higher chances of poor outcomes in education, employment and housing. Their additional needs mean they require a higher level of support to maintain their accommodation Getty Images/iStockphoto The causes of homelessness Refugees Around 13 per cent of young people at Centrepoint are refugees or have leave to remain, meaning it isn't safe to return home. This includes young people who come to the UK as unaccompanied minors, fleeing violence or persecution in their own country. After being granted asylum, young people sometimes find themselves with nowhere to go and can end up homeless Getty Images/iStockphoto

“It cannot be that we have citizens on the street, literally under blankets and on cardboard. We need the Government to make this an absolute priority.”

On Tuesday London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced a £50 million fund to help the homeless by delivering properties for people needing to move on from hostels and refuges.

The funding is available to housing providers as part of his £3.15 billion Affordable Homes Programme, which was agreed with the Government in the Autumn Statement.