There are many reasons why young people leave home or become homeless. The reasons could include family problems, poverty, overcrowding or the search for work.  In most cases young people don't choose to become homeless. 

Perhaps you have decided it's time to become independant and you want to live on your own or with other people.

For information on Housing and Homelessness look at the websites below.

Shelter is a homelessness charity with advice on housing and homelessness.

They have a site for anyone under 21 at www.housemate.org.uk.

You can get housing advice at www.shelternet.org.uk. Or you can phone them on 0808 800 444.

Foyers help young people with a home and support to help them move into independent living, learning and working. To find out more visit the main Foyer website at www.foyer.net.

For information on Foyers in the Connexions West of England area, click HERE

Priority Youth Housing provides affordable accommodation with support to single homeless people aged 16-25 years old in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Their website has wider information, too: www.priorityyouth.co.uk.

Local Authority Housing Departments

Bath Housing Advice Centre  01225 396 296 

Bristol Area Housing Departments  0117 922 2000 (main switchboard - ask for Housing) 

North Somerset Area Housing Departments  01275 884080 

South Gloucestershire Housing Department  01454 868686

Living at home

Living at home can be good! Heat, light, food and laundry service is available most of the time! If you’re in at school, college, doing training or starting a job and have little money it’s a cheap option. But it can be a struggle. You want your independence and sometimes parents find it difficult to let go

For information and advice about leaving home click here. Includes a checklist to help you decide whether you are really prepared for moving out.

Sleeping Rough

It's not a good idea to sleep rough.  It is dangerous for a young person on their own. If you really find that you have now choice here are a few rules you should follow:

• Always sleep in a place where there are other people
• Try to get hold of a sleeping bag or blankets - try the Salvation Army
• Never sleep directly on the ground - make some protection with cardboard or paper and preferably sleep on a bench
• Always try and eat and drink something hot before going to sleep as this will help your body keep warm
• Make sure your hands, feet and head are covered to keep body heat in
• Never drink alcohol before sleeping as this causes dehydration and makes your body temperature drop, in extreme cases you could freeze to death

Leaving Care

It is often difficult for young people who leave care to find somewhere to live. If you have been looked after by a local authority, then you should speak to your social worker or personal adviser about finding accommodation and applying for financial help.  If you decide to move to another area your personal adviser will arrange support for you in your new area.  You are entitled to help and support until you are 21, wherever you live.

Leaving Home

Young people leave home for a variety of reasons, some good, and some bad. If you're leaving home because of stress with your family try to sort it out before it gets out of control. Try to work out a compromise so you can live together.

If you are under 16 you can't normally leave home unless there are serious problems such as abuse or violence. If this is the case contact Social Services or your Connexions personal adviser immediately.

If you're 16 or 17 you can move out if your parents or guardians agree to it. If they don't, and you leave anyway, you could be reported to the police as a missing person and be returned home if you're considered to be at risk.

Think about why you want to leave. If you have to go, try to sort things out before you leave. That way, you can plan in advance when you leave and where you go. Also your parents or guardians may be happier if they see your leaving as a natural stage rather than a spur of the moment decision.

Accommodation

Whether you have experienced the panic of being homeless and needing to find emergency shelter, or if you've just decided it's time to leave home and live independently, these are the types of accommodation:

• Council property and housing associations
• Supported accommodation
• Privately rented accommodation which includes lodgings, a flat or house share, a bedsit or a self-contained flat or house

Independent Living

Decide exactly how much you think you can afford and which type of accommodation you'd prefer.  Find out the going rate for accommodation in your chosen area by looking in the classified sections of local papers; reading the notices in newsagents windows; asking around among your friends and relations.  You could contact an accommodation agency, which will try to find suitable accommodation for you, according to your needs and your budget. They will charge you a fee.  If you go to view a property take a friend with you.  If you are to manage to live independently perhaps the most important thing is to make sure that what you spend each week or month is not more than the money you get.

SHELTER 0808 800 444 can offer help and advice with all housing enquiries and housing benefit. www.shelternet.org.uk

Look at our Contacts section and our 1 Big Database for lots of useful organisations, links and telephone numbers on a whole range of issues that affect young people.