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Leaving home or care
Nearly everyone leaves home or care – sooner or later. Finding somewhere you can afford to live can be very hard.
If you are keen to be independent there are lots of things to consider:
- Where do you want to live?
- What sort of accommodation do you want?
- Do you want to live on your own or with other people?
- Do you want furnished or unfurnished?
- How much rent/mortgage can you afford?
- How much would the Council Tax cost?
- How would you pay for gas/electricity/water/TV licence etc?
Because there is so much to think about it is better to plan ahead and get some savings behind you. There are lots of organisations that will help you explore what is available and the options and support open to you.
If you have been looked after by a Local Authority you should talk to your social worker or Connexions Personal Adviser about finding accommodation and applying for financial help – even if you decide to move to a new area.
Local Authority Housing Departments & Housing Benefit
Your Local Authority Housing Department will consider your situation and help or guide you to local housing support services that specifically support young people aged between 16 and 25. They also have a department to advise on Housing Benefit (or Local Housing Allowance).
Independent living for those with a disability
If you are young and have a disability there is help and advice about independent living and benefits available. Talk to your Connexions Personal Adviser. They will be able to put you in touch with the right local organisations
Sleeping rough
There are many reasons why young people leave home and sometimes become homeless:
- too many people in the family home
- poverty
- family problems
- looking for work.
In most cases young people do not choose to become homeless.
Don’t think that sleeping rough is your only way of living. It’s a potentially dangerous situation to be in. Ask for help – contact Connexions or your Local Authority Housing Department.
Runaway from home or care
There must be many reasons why you feel the only answer to your problems is running away from home. Maybe you are having problems with your family or you feel unsafe at home. Perhaps you are having problems at school.
Whatever the problem, there are organisations that can help you and it's never too late to try and sort out your situation. Running away could make your problems a lot worse and put you in a dangerous situation. Getting help while you're still at home is usually a better option than running away.
Contact your Connexions Personal Adviser – they won’t judge you, only listen and help.
Weblinks
Leaving home or care
House Mate – looks at some of the key questions about young people, housing issues and homelessness. Includes the checklist ‘Are you ready to leave home?’.
External link: housemate.org.uk
Priority Youth Housing – help for 16-25 year olds in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
External link: priorityyouth.co.uk
Shelter – housing advice
External link: england.shelter.org.uk
T: 0808 800 4444
Youth Information – advice about leaving care. Go to Housing>Leaving Home>Leaving Local Authority Care.
External link: youthinformation.com
Youth Information – advice about leaving home. Advice against going to London. Go to Housing>Leaving Home
External link: youthinformation.com
Local Authority Housing Departments & Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance – general information.
External link: direct.gov.uk
Local Authority Housing & Housing Benefit Departments:
Bath & North East Somerset – Local Housing Allowance.
External link: bathnes.gov.uk
T: 01225 477 777 Revenues and Benefits
Bath & North East Somerset – housing advice and advice for the homeless. Go to Housing.
External link: bathnes.gov.uk
T: 01225 477 000 Housing Services
Bristol – Housing Benefit.
External link: bristol.gov.uk
T: 0117 903 7100 Benefits Service
Bristol – housing advice and advice for the homeless. Go to Housing.
External link: bristol.gov.uk
T: 0117 922 200 (ask for the Customer Service Point for your area)
North Somerset – Housing Benefit. Go to Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
External link: n-somerset.gov.uk
T: 01934 888 136 or 138 for Housing Benefit information.
T: 01934 888 099 for Housing Benefit claims.
North Somerset – housing advice and advice for the homeless
External link: n-somerset.gov.uk/housing
South Gloucestershire – Local Housing Allowance. Go to H and select Housing Benefit.
External link: southglos.gov.uk
T: 01454 868 002
South Gloucestershire - housing advice and advice for the homeless. Go to H and select Housing.
External link: southglos.gov.uk
T: 01454 868 009
Independent living for those with a disability
Disability Benefit – general information.
External link: direct.gov.uk
External link: direct.gov.ukHome and housing options – adaptations, equipments and supported housing. Go to Disables people>Home and housing options
Sleeping rough
National Missing Persons Helpline – let friends or family know you are safe.
T: 0808 800 7070
Nightstop – emergency accommodation for young people aged 16-25.
External link: nightstop-uk.org
Shelter – housing advice.
External link: england.shelter.org.uk
T: 0808 800 4444
Sleeping on the streets – good information about keeping safe and warm and details of organisations that can help.
External link: youthinformation.com
Runaway from home or care
Childline – there to listen, whatever the problem.
T: 0800 1111
Priority Youth Housing – help for 16-25 year olds in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
External link: priorityyouth.co.uk
Nightstop – emergency accommodation for young people aged 16-25.
External link: nightstop-uk.org
Runaway Helpline – help and advice for young people who have runaway from home or care. Offers the chance to send a message home.
External link: missingpeople.org.uk/runaways
T: 0808 800 7070 Free helpline
The Samaritans – 24/7 support.
External link: samaritans.org.uk
24 hour helpline: 08457 90 90 90
Publication to download
Housing - leaving home, housing benefit, homelessness and sleeping rough
