“I’m under 16 and have been told to leave home – what can I do?”

The first thing you need to consider is how long you have to get something alternative sorted out. If you cannot stay at home or with other family / friends tonight or for the next few days, then it is important that you contact social services as soon as possible as they have a duty to help you whilst you are under the age 16. They will assess your situation and they may find you somewhere safe to stay. You can contact social services through your local council or your school should be able to contact them on your behalf. Your local Connexions centre or school may also be able to offer you support and local information. If you have nowhere to go, your local Police station may be able to offer advice about emergency shelter options in your local area.

“I’m over 16 and I have been made homeless – what can I do?”

The first priority is to secure somewhere to stay immediately. Try to speak with family or friends to see if anyone can put you up until you can seek further advice. If you have no one who can offer you somewhere to stay tonight or over the next few days, then you can call Shelter on 0808 800 4444. They can offer housing advice specific to your situation and location. If Shelter are closed, or you cannot get through to them, then you may want to visit a local Police station. The Police may be able to offer advice about emergency shelter options in your area.

In terms of your long term housing options, it is a good idea to register with your local council housing team as homeless. They will be able to assess your situation and decide if you are a priority need for re-housing. They will be able to talk you through your options in more depth and help you to make any necessary applications.

“I’m over 18 and I want to move out but I’m not sure if I can afford it. Is there any financial help available?”

Living independently can be expensive and there are many things to take into account. It is important before making any choices that you are fully aware of all the things you need to consider. It can help to sit down and work out a basic budget. Make a list of your incomings and balance against any outgoings you have. Speak with family/friends about bills you will need to pay out so that you can add these into the budget. As well as utility bills (gas, electric, water), don’t forget other expenses such as Council Tax, travel, food, clothes etc. Once you have done this, it should give you a better idea about how much money you could realistically afford to pay on renting a property. You can then start to research rental prices in your area. You should be able to find details of properties in the local press, through estate agents, on the internet etc.

Housing Benefits or Local Housing Allowances can offer some help towards rental costs, however the amount you get will depend on your income, savings, and average prices in your area for someone single and under the age of 25. Housing benefit is administered via your local council, so as a starting point, you could speak with the benefits department there to find out whether you would be eligible for help.