relationships education & training housing & shelter health & emotions money jobs get active rights help

Emergency Accommodation Leaving Home Sleeping Rough Accommodation Emergency Accommodation Imagine you've left home and have nowhere to stay tonight. If you can't speak to a parent, another family member or a guardian, it’s essential you talk to somebody. In this situation there are people who will give you advice and support. Local district councils have duties to help homeless people but the amount of help available depends on your particular circumstances. Your needs will come into one of these categories:   priority   non-priority If you are regarded in priority need the council must house you (even if this is just on a temporary basis). Any council decision made on a homelessness application should be provided in writing. If you don't agree with the decision you can appeal against it (but there are time restrictions). You can get advice about decisions, and appealing, from Shelter. Priority need If you are any of the following, you may be in priority need:   responsible for a child or children   pregnant or with a pregnant partner   homeless as a result of a disaster (such as fire or flood)   disabled or having physical or mental health problems   vulnerable due to risk of violence, sexual abuse, alcohol/drug use or prostitution   judged to be vulnerable after leaving the armed forces, a young offenders institute or prison   16 or 17 - unless you are the responsibility of Social Services (Children's Social Care)   18-21 and have had past involvement with Social Services (Children's Social Care) Priority Need is a complicated area and it is always worth checking out your individual situation. Non-priority need If the council decides you are not in priority need, it must give you advice about finding other accommodation. The advice may include a list of:   bedsits   bed and breakfast establishments   accommodation agencies Make a point of asking about other types of emergency accommodation:   YMCAs   foyers   projects for homeless people Local council contacts To get help from your local district council, contact the housing department's homeless persons section:   Taunton Deane - 01823 356581   Mendip - 01749 648999   South Somerset - 01935 462 771   Sedgemoor - 0845 4082547   West Somerset - 01643 703 704 These numbers are only available during normal office hours. During other times contact Shelterline on 0808 8004444. Other useful contacts Shelter www.shelter.org.uk/knowyourrights - specific information about housing law Housemate www.housemate.org.uk - has information and advice about leaving home. This includes a checklist to help you decide whether you are really prepared for moving out. Runaway Helpline www.runawayhelpline.org.uk – free confidential help and advice for under 18s who have run away from home – helpline 0808 800 70 70 Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Privacy Policy/Terms of Use