Help. Depressed teenager and council housing

Aphrodite_Persephone

My sister recently passed away and was found by my 17 year old nephew. Due to this he's moved into my home with myself and my 18 year old son in our 2 bedroom property.

My nephew is suffering from depression and PTSD, he sees a counselor weekly. Due to this my nephew has nightly nightmares, panic attacks, screaming and crying in his sleep. My son goes to comfort him (I'm disabled so it's difficult for me to walk). For this reason my son and nephew can't share a bedroom. I've added my nephew to my housing list application for my current council housing. My housing officer called and said we're not classed as over crowded or a priority because the boys are the same age. I read on the 1985 housing act and also did a bedroom entitlement calculator, both state that a person over 16yr old is require their own bedrooms.

What can I do as we really need a 3 bedroom property? Would the social workers assessment that states he needs his own room be sufficient? We moved to this property as my previous one was unsuitable but this was after a housing needs assessment by an OT, would an OT assessment be needed for this?

Hannah_Scope

Hello @Aphrodite_Persephone

I just wanted to firstly say, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. Sending my condolences to you and your family. I also wanted to share the NHS page on Grief and Bereavement in case you need any additional support for your nephew. 

You could ask the social worker if they would be able to help support you with your housing officer. But I am unsure to what extent they'd be able to help. I would encourage you to reach out to Citizen's Advice for advice with the house. 

Aphrodite_Persephone

Hi Hannah, thank you for your kind words and I will contact Citizens Advice and the social worker.

Hannah_Scope

Please keep us updated. I hope the community can be a place of support for you