Homelessness

If you are aged 16 to 25 and have nowhere safe to stay, or you’re worried about becoming homeless, support is available. The help you receive will depend on your age and personal circumstances.

We can offer you advice on how to prevent you from becoming homeless from your current accommodation or help with finding supported and private accommodation

Homelessness advice for young people aged 16 to 17

Experiencing homelessness at this age can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to manage it alone. Our first aim is always to help you return home safely, where this is appropriate. If going home is not safe or possible, we will work with you to find the right alternative accommodation and support.

A dedicated Young Persons Officer will talk with you about your situation, explain your options, and work with you to prevent homelessness wherever possible.

What your options may include

If your situation cannot be resolved, you may choose to:

Become a child we care for

If you decide to be taken into our care, you will:

• have a social worker who meets with you regularly and makes a care plan with you
• move into accommodation suited to your needs (for example, a foster home, residential home, or semi-independent setting)
• receive weekly financial support from Children’s Services
• have regular review meetings to make sure you’re getting the right help

Move into supported housing

If supported housing is the best option for you:

• You will be assessed by our Young Persons Officer and Children’s Social Work teams to identify what support you need
• Staff will help you with budgeting, benefits, training, education, or employment
• You may be able to claim benefits to help cover your living costs if you’re not working
• You won’t have your own fully independent flat straight away, but you’ll receive support to build the skills and confidence to live independently
• When you’re ready, you’ll receive help to move into your own suitable home

Arrange a joint housing assessment

With your agreement, we will arrange a joint housing assessment. This meeting includes a social worker and a Young Persons Housing Options Officer.

It is important to take part, as this assessment helps us understand your needs and provide the right support. You’ll have the chance to talk openly about your circumstances, why you cannot return home, and what help you may need going forward.

Care leavers aged 18 to 25

If you were looked after by us for at least 13 weeks before turning 18, you are a care leaver. Care leavers can continue to receive support with housing, education, finances, and other needs up to age 21 or up to 25 depending on your circumstances.

We will work with you to help you live independently, move toward your goals, and access the services and opportunities you need.

Young people aged 18 to 25

If you are over 18 and have not previously been in the care of Swindon Borough Council, support is still available. You will be able to work with our Young Persons Housing Options Officer to prevent you from becoming homeless or to find more suitable accommodation.

Find help if you are facing homelessness for guidance on:

• emergency accommodation
• housing advice
• preventing homelessness
• your rights and responsibilities

If you need urgent help, please contact us via the details below.

Contact the Housing Options team

If you need advice, support, or help with emergency accommodation, you can contact us in the following ways:

• Drop-in: Speak to a member of the Homeless Prevention team (located at the side of the office on Beckhampton Street)
  • Monday to Friday (except Wednesday morning), 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Email: hoptions@swindon.gov.uk
• Call: 01793 445500

Independent advice and advocacy

If you want impartial support, or someone to help you understand your rights, view the Coram Voice website.

Alternatively, you can call them on 0808 800 5792 or email: help@coramvoice.org.uk.