Many young people get stressed about ending up homeless, or suffer from feeling that they can't carry on living at home or in foster or residential care.
Finding somewhere to live and deciding when to leave home is difficult enough, but if there are problems at home or you're under pressure to leave, sometimes it can all get too much, and things can go wrong.
If you have to leave home and aren't sure where you're going, you need to get advice right away.
Some people leave home because they can’t deal with authority but you still have to deal with it one way or another even if it’s just being told to move along by the police. – James Hatch, 33, Oxford
Start at home. You need to talk things over with your parents or carers. Even if you think it won't help, even if you know it'll only cause more trouble. They need to understand that there's a problem, and you need to tell them how serious it is.
If that's too much, talk to an adult you trust. Youth workers and Connexions PAs are specially trained to help young people, and will take your problems seriously. A teacher, religious leader, relative or parent of a friend may help.
If talking to someone face-to-face is a problem, you can contact Shelter, Childline or the NSPCC for advice.
If you are in care talk to your Personal Adviser or call The Young Person’s Safety Net.
Social and health care will help if you are in danger. They will first try to solve the problems so that you can remain with your family, but if that doesn’t work there are laws to protect you.
I first used Connexions when I was homeless. My Personal Adviser helped me to get my benefits and housing. They were always phoning me to check I was OK and now I am on a hairdressing training course and living in my own flat. I didn’t have anyone else to help me but Connexions. - Anon, Witney
If you are homeless or about to be homeless and it is outside of office hours use the emergency Contacts in the Directory to get assistance.
If it is not an emergency, the organisation you contact will depend on your age and circumstances. If you are or have been in care, contact social and health care.
These contacts were last updated 17 May 2007
| Age | District Council | Organization |
| Under 16 | All | Social & Health Care 0845 050 7666 |
| 16/17 | Cherwell | BYHP (01295) 259442 |
| Oxford City | Emergency Temporary Accommodation -
01865 252859 (Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00) or 0800 833408 (outside office hours) |
|
| South Oxfordshire | Housing needs - 01491 823322 or the Council's out-of hours number - 01491 824033 | |
| Vale of White Horse | Housing Advice Team - freephone 0808 100 1617 (8.45am-5pm) | |
|
West Oxfordshire |
West Oxfordshire Homeless Prevention Project - 01993 772134 or 07812 036794. |
The council has a duty to house you, but they will need to ask you lots of questions first. This is because they need to know about your situation so they can offer you the best help. The Council may be able to offer you:
In Oxfordshire you cannot receive permanent housing from the council until you are age 18.
If you are 16 or 17 years old they will first place you in temporary accommodation, usually a B&B or hostel. From there you will be expected to move into supported housing. Because of the high demand for spaces this can take anything from days to months.
If you feel you have been unfairly refused help, and for help and support throughout the process, contact a housing advice centre (find them in the directory), a Youth Worker (find your local youth centre) or Connexions PA (find your local connexions access point).
Make contact with every possible type of Organisation, Homelessness Service, doctor’s surgeries. If you’re on your own it’s easy to think I guess I’ll go get p***** because no one gives a s***. – one who knows
Squatting is living in an empty property without seeking permission from the owner. This used to be quite popular, and it is still sometimes legal. However, unless you are entering a well-established squat with people you know, like and trust, living in a squat is unlikely to be a pleasant experience. Many who have squatted report very bad conditions, problems with squatmates and police harassment.
There’s also a lot of moving; three months is a long-lasting squat.
It is, though, better than sleeping rough.
Don't sleep rough. Plenty of organisations can help you avoid this. Check the directory or phone Shelterline to find an organisation that can help. If you absolutely feel you must:Homelessness is bad for you. It's hard to keep relationships or stay healthy, and you run a big risk of health problems like depression and drug abuse. Aim to get out of it as soon as possible.
James and Sarah, a couple who met while homeless, are now getting their lives together after years spent sleeping rough. Here's what they have to say to young people about leaving home without a job or place to live:
"You’ll be on the street sooner or later and even if you don’t want to you’ll get into crime or drugs or alcohol. You need something just to deaden it all."
"I’d advise anyone to try and sort things out with their family," Sarah said. "No matter how bad it is at home it’s better than the street."
If you have no choice but to leave, James advised, go to a relative or friend and talk to them. "If you’re in danger of being molested or beaten, speak to someone. Don’t suffer in silence."
"Running away from home is not the
answer for anything unless you
want to end up dead within 10 or
15 years because that’s what
mostly happens," James said
somberly. "It’s that hard."
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