What’s Your Problem? - Sam’s story
Sam, 17
“I’ve left home, and there’s no way I’d go back now. My Dad was always yelling at me, but then he started hitting me and I couldn’t take it any more. I know if I go back, sooner or later he’ll start hitting me again and it will just get worse.
I stayed with friends, sleeping on their floors, but then I ran out of people I could stay with.
I spoke to the Council, but they told me they can’t do anything because I’m not in priority need.”
How did Sam sort it out?
“I went to Connexions and they told me to call Community Legal Advice (see links on right of page). They told me about a housing advice centre near me. The local housing adviser really helped me. He told me that the Council had no right to refuse to help me. He said I am in priority need because I’m under 18 and homeless.
He phoned the Council and they agreed to see me again the same day. Finally, the Council got me into emergency housing. After a few days, I got a space in supported housing. Now I’m starting to get my life back together.”
Take action
- Get advice. The law on homelessness is not easy to understand.
- When you talk to someone, always write down who saw you, when you saw them, what they agreed to do, and when they agreed to do it by. You might need proof of what has been agreed later on.
Don’t delay, do it today!
- If you’re not happy with the council’s decision, you’ve got a right to appeal. If you’re not happy with the way you’ve been treated, you can complain. You do have rights - get advice.
