|
 
Unless
you are in danger it is advisable
to stay where you are until you can
plan your move more confidently.
However,
if it is an emergency and you have
nowhere to stay, try the following:
| 1. |
 Ask
friends or family. They
might give you a bed while you
sort yourself out. |
| 2. |
Call the emergency homeless number for your council. You can find this in the national directory
or in a local phone book.
If you contact
the Council they will arrange
a homeless interview with you
and get you somewhere to stay
until this happens.
|
| 3. |
Call
Shelterline
on 0808
800 4444
They should be able to provide
you with advice and if needed
give you details of a local
hostel. The police should also
be able to help you with this
information.
Call
Women's
Aid
on 0845
7023 468
or, Refuge
on 08705
9954 4324
if you are escaping domestic
violence.
|
| 4. |
If you were in care, contact your local Social Work Department. You can find the number in the national directory or in a local phone book.
|
| 5. |
Sleeping
rough should only ever be the
very last resort, however, if
you have to sleep rough:
| Find
a warm, dry, sheltered,
quiet spot. |
| Put
lots of layers of clothes
on. |
| Eat
before you settle down for
the night and don't get
drunk as this lowers your
body temperature. |
| Surround
yourself with paper and
cardboard, on top of plastic
to keep heat in. |
| Next
day go to the Council Housing
Department and declare yourself
homeless. |
If the Council
decides that you are homeless
they will give you temporary
accommodation, like a B&B,
a hostel or a refuge.
Depending on your situation
you may then get a permanent
place or they may just offer
advice and help with finding
a place. They will explain all
this and you should ask for
a copy of their decision in
writing. If you feel that the
decision is unfair, you can
appeal.
For more detailed advice see section 23 of Streets Ahead: ‘I’ve nowhere to sleep tonight, who can help me?
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