Aged 16-17
Our Homeless Prevention Service has a team of housing advisers who will listen to your housing concerns to understand your situation and explain what can be done next.
We will do everything possible to help prevent you from being made homeless. For example, if you’ve been asked to leave home, we can help you return if it’s safe to do so.
We will arrange to see you as soon as possible where a joint assessment will need to be completed. A council social worker may also be present, because until you're 18 you are still legally a child.
Contact the Housing Advice Service or Children's Social Care on 020 7926 5555.
You can also find housing information on Community Solutions - Your housing needs.
Aged 18-25 and ready to leave home
When to leave home is a major decision which should not be taken lightly.
Although leaving home could grant you more freedom, it could also mean having responsibilities that you've probably not had to take on before.
The best way to leave home is after careful thought and planning. Leaving your parental home at a very young age, especially if you have nowhere to go, should be the very last option that you consider as you could easily end up homeless.
From 1 April 2017, some 18-21 year olds claiming Universal Credit may not be entitled to help with housing costs. See what help you can get with housing costs if you're 18-21 years old on the Gov.UK website.
Explore your housing options first
You will need to decide on the type of housing that will suit your needs when you are ready to move.
A major factor in making this decision will probably be your financial situation. The cost of paying rent for a home and paying utility bills is rising all the time. Many people decide to share with others when they first leave home, meaning you can share the rent and bills.
Seek advice before making your decision and do not rush into anything.
It is important to ask yourself the following questions:
- What kind of accommodation do you need?
- What type of accommodation can you afford?
- What area can you afford accommodation in?
- Do you have enough income to cover your rent payments, bills, food and toiletries?
- Do you have any money or savings you can use for a deposit?
- Do you have any experience of paying bills or living independently?
- Should you share with other people before Iiving on your own?
- Can you stay with family friends while you carry out your plan?
- Have you sought advice?
Having problems at home
If you're moving out because you're having problems at home, try to find someone you trust to talk to, perhaps an extended family member like and aunt or uncle, a friend or a teacher at your school or college.
If the situation becomes worse, see if there is a place you can go to for a night or 2 to let everyone cool down.
Remember, no matter how bad things may seem, if you leave home without preparation, you may find yourself in an even worse situation.
Mediation for 16-21 year olds
Most family disagreements can be sorted out through communication and, in some cases, mediation.
Mediation allows you and your family to discuss problems and arguments that might make you feel like you want to leave home, or your parents feel like they want you to leave. It can help you to come to a solution that you are all happy with, that means you can stay at home or return home, if it is safe for you to do so.
We understand that it is not always possible to stay at home as you may not feel safe.
Get free advice on your rights and options from the charity Centrepoint if you are 16-25 years old and homeless or about to lose your home. Message them on web chat or contact them on 0808 800 0661.
Feeling unsafe at home
If you are feeling unsafe at home and have absolutely no choice but to leave, for example, because someone is being violent or abusive towards you, you must seek help right away.
There are several organisations who can assist you and help you to find a safe place to go. You should seek support from:
- Childline: 0800 1111 (Free) 24-hour support helpline for children and young people.
- Women’s Aid: 0808 2000 247 (Free) 24-hour helpline for victims of domestic violence.
- Shelterline: 0808 800 4444 (Free) 24-hour helpline giving information on housing.
Being asked to leave by friends or family
Being asked to leave by friends and family is one of the biggest causes of homelessness across England.
We recognise that living at home or staying temporarily with friends can be extremely difficult, but it is always better to plan a move to achieve a better outcome. The only exception to this is if where you live is unsafe due to a risk of violence.
Get more information on being asked to move out by friends or family.
Leaving care
If you are a care leaver you may be able to get housing and other help from the council. The help you get mainly depends on your age.
Lambeth Childrens Social Care is responsible for finding you somewhere to live until you turn 18. If you are aged between 18-25 years and are a homeless care leaver, the Housing Advice Service will provide you with advice, support and guidance.
For more information visit support for care leavers housing options.
Organisations that can support you
- Centrepoint is a charity supporting homeless people aged 16-25. If you're rough sleeping, sofa surfing or don't feel safe in your home, the Centrepoint Helpline is there to support you. You can also get in touch with Centrepoint if you're worried about a young person.
- New Horizon Youth Centre helps young people aged 16-21 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They can help you find a place to stay, sort out benefits or debts, get into employment/training, and much more. They also offer counselling, a nurse, breakfast and lunch, laundry and showers.
- Stonewall Housing is a specialist lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) housing advice and support provider. They provide housing support for LGBT people in their own homes, supported housing for young LGBT people, and confidential housing advice for LGBT people of all ages.
- The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people under the age of 25. They tackle issues from money to mental health, homelessness to finding a job, and from break ups to drugs.
- Depaul helps 16-25 year olds in London who are at risk of homelessness by providing advice about getting accommodation and benefits, family mediation, counselling, school mediation and training and employment. They offer access to showers and laundry services.
- Shelter provides specialist housing advice for young people.
Still need support?
Our Housing Advice Service may be able to help you.
If you are homeless or due to be homeless in the next 56 days, the council may have a legal duty to prevent or relieve your homelessness.