Housing Support
Nearly everyone leaves home – sooner or later. Most young people live at home with their family or carers and will do that until they need to look for their own accommodation such as when they:
- leave to go to University or
- move to a different area to start a job.
It is usually not a good idea to leave home on the spur of the moment. If you have had an argument with your family, try to work things out. Leaving home is not an easy option. Below is some helpful advice on certian situations you may find yourself in. Alternatively you can visit the DirectGov Website for more in-depth information.
Under 16 and want to leave home?
If you are under 16 you can’t normally leave home unless there are serious problems such as abuse, bullying or violence. If this is the case get some help as quickly as you can.
Ring Childline on freephone 0800 1111 - confidential telephone counselling service for children or speak to one of our Connexions Personal Advisers in Hereford on 01432 269404
16-17 and want to leave home?
If you are 16-17 you can move out if your parents or carers 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 it is felt you are at risk.
For some young people there are problems with being at home that would mean that you need to look for your own accommodation. If you are in this position it would be a good idea to contact your local Connexions Advisor for some advice on housing options or contact local helping agnecies listed at the bottom of this page.
What about if your in care?
If you have been looked after by a local authority you should talk to your Social Worker as s/he will work out a leaving care package called a pathway plan with you to organise accommodation and apply for financial help.
If you are worried about any aspect of leaving care you should talk to social services. You can also talk to a Connexions Personal Adviser. Useful Websites for those in care are:
The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) offers information, advice , advocacy and legal representation to children and young people up to the age of 25 including advice to young people on leaving care and their rights. You can call them on FREEPHONE 0800 61 61 01, send a text message to 0777 333 4555 or send them an email .
Herefordshire Council- Childrens Rights and Advocacy
Why is it harder to find a place when you are younger?
Finding somewhere you can afford to live can be very hard whatever age you are but if you are young it can be even harder.
Why?:
- Many private landlords aren’t keen on letting to younger people especially if they will be claiming housing benefit.
- Young people often have low incomes and no savings so it can be difficult to afford the deposit and the rent.
- You need to be 18 to get on many housing waiting lists.
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Planning to leave home?
The most important decision is to work out if you are ready to leave home. If you are keen to be independent there are lots of things to consider:
- Where do you want to live?
- Do you know how to find somewhere to live?
- What sort of accommodation do you want?
- Do you want to live on your own or with other people?
- Will you be able to cope with looking after yourself?
- Do you want furnished or unfurnished?
- How much rent/mortgage can you afford?
- How much would the Council Tax cost?
- Do you know what benefits you may be able to get and how to apply?
- How would you pay for gas/electricity/water/TV licence etc?
Leaving home is not an easy option – but if you feel it’s the right time for you to take that step then do make use of all the help and advice out there. If you are in this position it would be a good idea to contact your local Connexions Advisor for some advice on housing options or contact local helping agnecies listed at the bottom of this page.
If you become homeless (or think you are about to)
If you leave home without a plan and no accommodation to go to, or you’re unlucky and get thrown out of your home and have to sleep on a friend’s settee or go into emergency accommodation, you are homeless.
If you are 17 or younger and have run away or felt forced to leave home you can ask for help from the runaway helpline. Call them on 0800 800 7070 or talk to them on their website.
Being homeless – whatever age you are - can be a very scary, lonely and difficult time and it’s vital to get some help to make sure you have somewhere safe to live. Make use of all the help and advice out there. Why not:
- speak to your local Connexions Personal Advisor
- talk to Childline on freephone 0800 1111 - confidential telephone service includes help with problems such as homelessness or running away.
- talk to Shelterline on freephone 0808 800 4444- a free 24 hour telephone for people with any sort of housing related problems. Shelterline has access to a database of hostel vacancies nationwide and will work to connect you with a relevant service.
- contact one of the local helping agencies listed ont he bottom of this
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Local Helping Agencies
SHYPP
The Herefordshire Supported Housing For Young People Project (SHYPP) works with over 150 young people in Herefordshire every week to provide an integrated approach to meeting their housing, training and employment needs.
To find out more about us: Call 01432 374320 or email info@herefordshireshypp.org or visit their website at http://www.herefordshireshypp.org/
Foyers
This is for 16-25 year olds who are homeless or in housing need. Contact the Foyer nearest to where you want to stay and arrange an entrance interview. Or ask Connexions to refer you. Some Foyers have waiting lists, others do not. Some only accept through referrals from their local authority or borough.
A Foyer is different from a hostel in that it provides opportunities and support for training, and access to learning and work.
Local foyers include:
Herefordshire SHYPP - Hereford Foyer 44 Berrington Street, Hereford, Herefordshire. HR4 OBJ. Telephone: 01432 270055.
Herefordshire SHYPP - Leominster Foyer The Old Library, 12-14 South Street, Leominster. Herefordshire HR6 8JB Telephone: 01568 614658
Herefordshire SHYPP - Ross Foyer December House, Copse Cross Street, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 5PD Telephone: 01989 568924
Herefordshire Housing Options Team and Homelessness Service: Franklin House, 4 Commercial Road, Hereford. HR1 2BB Telephone: 01432 261600
Home Point Herefordshire is the way to find social housing in Herefordshire. If you are registered with Home Point, you can choose from the properties that they advertise every week. Telephone: Hereford (01432) 359500 or email info@home-point.info or find info on Web Site:
Night Stop Project provides emergency accommodation for young people aged 16-25. You will need to be referred through a helping agency like Connexions. Telephone: 01432 374320 or email nightstop@herefordshireshypp.org
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