Homeless
Being homeless is having no-where to live. This can happen if you’ve left home - or been forced to leave - without a plan and you have to sleep rough or on a friend’s sofa or in emergency accommodation.
Whatever age you are - being homeless can be a very scary, lonely and difficult time. It’s really important that you get some help to find somewhere safe to live.
If you find yourself in the situation where you’ve become homeless (or fear you might become homeless), make sure you use all the help and advice that’s available. Why not: speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser or contact one of the following:
- Childline is a national helpline for children and young people that you can contact at any time of night or day. The service includes help with problems such as running away or being homeless. Phone Childline on 0800 1111. (Calls are free from a land-line and most mobile networks.)
- Shelter offers a free 24 hour telephone for young people with any sort of housing related problems. Phone 0808 800 4444. Their website has lots of useful information about what to do if you’ve got problems living at home…moving out may not be your only option… Check out the ‘Families and Relationships’ section. It looks at topics such as living with parents and stepfamilies and has useful tips on ways you can improve your relationships at home.
Fleeing violence or abuse
If you’re fleeing your home to escape violence or abuse, you may have to leave in a hurry until a more permanent solution can be sorted. If you’re in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.
If a person you live with (or have lived with) has abused you (physically or otherwise) the law can protect you and help you to change your situation. Phone Childline on 0800 1111 for help and advice.
