Preventing homelessness when leaving care
Children’s Services is responsible for finding you somewhere to live until you turn 18 years old. If you are a homeless care leaver we will be able to offer advice and assist, please see how we can help.
Getting help
Most young people who have been in care are entitled to help if they become homeless. The help you are entitled to usually depends on your age and personal circumstances.
Who can help
Children’s services is responsible for finding you somewhere to live until you turn 18 years old. You will be supported by your personal adviser or leaving care housing officer. They will help you complete a social housing application or to secure a private rented property in line with your wishes and Pathway Plan. They will help settle you in with appropriate furniture and a home starter pack.
Your pathway plan
Before you leave care, you should be given a Pathway Plan setting out what support you might need to live independently. You're also given a personal adviser whose job it is to make sure that you claim everything you are entitled to. They should stay in contact with you and provide ongoing support and help until you turn 21, or until your 25th birthday, if you are still studying full time.
- Children’s services: 020 8871 7899
- Family Information Services: leaving care support: 020 8871 7899
Managing your money (for under 25s)
Mybnk helps young people take charge of their money and finances. You can get advice on things like budgeting, saving and startup funding. Contact them today to book yourself on a ‘financial education’ workshop.
Other useful agencies
Shelter London for under 25s: 0330 053 6091
Practical help with housing, homelessness, benefits, debt, and legal issues. Part of the London Youth Gateway for under25s.
Depaul: 020 72784224
A leading youth homelessness charity offering emergency beds (Nightstop), supported housing, family mediation, counselling, lifeskills and help with education/employment.
Alone in London: 020 7278 4224
Support for 16–25 yearolds at risk of homelessness: housing advice, benefits guidance, counselling, family mediation, and help accessing safer accommodation, training and employment.
Albert Kennedy Trust: (LGBT young people) 020 7831 6562
Supports LGBTQ+ young people (16–25) facing homelessness or unsafe homes. Offers emergency accommodation, specialist housing support, mentoring and lifeskills help.
Shelter emergency helpline: 0808 800 4444
For urgent housing advice, including if you’re unsafe at home or have nowhere to stay tonight.
Childline: 0800 1111
A free, confidential 24/7 helpline for emotional support and advice if you feel unsafe, stressed or need someone to talk to.
Coram Voice: Helpline: 0808 800 5792
Specialist advocacy for care experienced young people (16–25). Helps you understand your rights, get support, and have your voice heard.
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) Helpline: 0808 808 1001
Confidential advocacy and support for young people in care or leaving care. Help with rights, referrals and mental health advocacy. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm.