If you are at immediate risk of homelessness contact us, or you can refer yourself.
If you think you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, approach us straight away. Contact us.
What will happen when you contact us
We may need to see any paperwork or documentation relating to your circumstances, such as:
- a notice from your landlord
- tenancy agreement
- proof of ID
- proof of your income
This information can be provided digitally.
Your household details will need to be taken, along with your five-year address history. The reasons you are facing homelessness will be discussed with you. Following these discussions, if there is reason to believe that you are threatened with homelessness within 56 days, we will arrange a follow-up assessment with you. This could be face to face or over the telephone, whichever works best for you.
During the assessment, we will gather as much information about your housing problem and create a personalised housing plan. We look at what can be done to remove the threat of homelessness to allow you to remain in your home.
If measures cannot be put in place to allow you to remain in your home, we work with you to secure alternative permanent accommodation. Due to the shortage of social housing in the area, it is very likely that alternative accommodation would be with a reputable private landlord. In order to assist with this, we may be able to lend you funds to pay for a bond or rent up front in the first instance to secure the tenancy.
When you have been fully assessed, you will be allocated an officer, who will:
- be your point of contact
- help you to remain in your existing accommodation
- help you to find new accommodation if you cannot remain where you are long term
- tell you what support is available
- give advice if you are having problems paying your rent or mortgage
- visit you if you are in hospital and assess your circumstances before you are discharged
- help if your landlord tries to illegally evict you or is harassing you
- put you in contact with the other agencies who offer further support
Emergency accommodation
We may be able to provide emergency accommodation if you are homeless. This is a limited service and is dependent on your personal circumstances. We will make the decision based on your situation.
If you experience a housing emergency outside office hours, contact us.
Additional information and support
You can find more information in our housing options leaflet (pdf / 164 KB).
You can find details of other useful organisations here (pdf / 563 KB).