Homelessness

Help if you are facing homelessness

It is important to inform us as soon as you think you may become homeless. The earlier you contact us, the better we can assist you.

You can email us at: hoptions@swindon.gov.uk to let us know about your situation.

If you do not have access to email or a phone, you can visit the Homelessness Prevention Team without an appointment. We are based at Beckhampton Street, SN1 2JH and are available between 9.00am and 4.00pm on  a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 12.30pm to 4.00pm on a Wednesday.

Most cases will involve an assessment to determine how we can help.

We have a duty to try to prevent homelessness or assist in finding alternative accommodation. We can help you find private or supported housing if necessary. 

Our first step is often to support you to stay in your current home if it is safe to do so. We will speak with those asking you to leave to see if you can remain and ensure the process has been fair and legal.

We will also ask about the actions you have already taken to keep your accommodation.

Please do your best to help yourself by talking to those asking you to leave and exploring options to stay longer while seeking advice.

If we believe your actions have resulted in you becoming homeless, we may not have a duty to house you. 

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or fear violence, we urge you to contact the Police. More information and support options are available on our domestic abuse webpage.

For those aged 16 to 17, support is available through Housing or Children’s Social Care, who can carry out joint assessments and help you stay in your current accommodation.

  • Speak to your family or friends and try to sort out your differences. Is there someone who can act as a go-between if conversations are difficult?
  • Can you remain and bid for social housing or look for a private let?
  • Find out if they will let you stay for longer so you can move in a planned way

  • If you are being asked to leave rented accommodation, check that you have been issued notice correctly. You can check if you are being treated legally and fairly on the National Homelessness Advice Service website or the Shelter website.
  • Do not stop paying your rent. Speak with your Housing Officer or private landlord urgently. You may be able to arrange a repayment plan.
  • Check if you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to.
  • For help with your finances, budgeting or debt advice, contact Citizens Advice Swindon, the Step Change Debt Charity or the Southern England Law Centre.
  • If you are being asked to leave due to your behaviour, stop and think about the problem you are alleged to have caused.
  • Are you able to stay if you commit to changing your behaviour?
  • Talk to your Housing Officer or landlord about what is acceptable behaviour.

If the Council cannot prevent you from becoming homeless from a private let and has a duty to offer emergency accommodation, you will not be required to wait for court action. You may choose to remain in private accommodation and wait for a Possession Order rather than move into emergency accommodation such as a hotel.

Contact information

  • Email: hoptions@swindon.gov.uk
  • Telephone: 01793 445500
  • Telephone: Children's Social Care on 01793 466903 (if you are aged 16 to 17 years)
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