Need Some Support Where You Live?

Living independently can be difficult, especially if it's your first time, or if you haven't had a home of your own for some time. You might want support in practical things, for example because you are having problems with rent, benefits and arrears, or need help with budgeting and other skills. You might need someone to talk to about personal stuff, or to ask about other services that can help you.

Depending on where you are living (but always if you are 16 or 17), you can get help from a tenant support worker, ask your local housing office for details of local schemes.

If you are given a council home, some local authorities will only offer you a tenancy where the first twelve months will be an 'introductory tenancy'. During this time you'll be visited by your estate manager to check everything's OK. If you are not keeping to the rules of your tenancy (e.g. by not paying rent, causing a nuisance, taking in lodgers or damaging things) you can be evicted quite quickly, and will find it harder to be re-housed. They should, however, offer support so that these problems get sorted out and you do not lose your place.