In care and threatened with homelessness. Need help finding advocacy service.

SupportSpider

Hi. I currently live in an assisted living home and am being threatened with homelessness within about four months. I was told by the social services team of my council that this residency would be temporary for up to two years while they find somewhere permanent for me to live. Now, less than four months before the end of this, they are telling me that they aren't going to help me find somewhere to live after all and have just referred me to a few charities who have already told me that they can't help.

Above all else, I need help finding an advocacy agency who can assist me with all of this, as the nature of my disabilities means that I can't cope with doing this by myself or make the right decisions, or even know how to do this by myself. I previously had an advocate with Rethink, but they told me that their advocacy service in my area is shutting down and being taken over by another agency. But I spoke to the new agency and they said that they won't be available to take on any new cases until several months from now, which will be after the deadline for me finding somewhere to live. Shelter also referred me to a service called POhWER, but they don't serve the area that I live in so I can't use them. Would anyone please be able to signpost me to an advocacy service that may be able to help me?

MW123

@SupportSpider

In the United Kingdom, local authorities are legally obligated to prevent homelessness and secure housing for individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming so, as set out in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Based on the information you provided, it appears that you have relied on the council's assurances, which may have influenced your decisions and affected your situation. For example, you may have failed to explore alternative housing solutions, believing that the council would provide assistance upon the conclusion of your two year current placement.

To strengthen your case for support and potentially challenge the council's decision, it is crucial to compile all relevant correspondence, including letters, emails, reports, and any other documentation that details the promises made by the council or social services.

Your GP may also be able to provide you with a letter or report outlining any health conditions or vulnerabilities that could be affected by homelessness or insecure housing. This can help to strengthen your case for receiving support from the council or other housing services.

Once you have gathered this information, draft a letter or email addressed to the appropriate department or officer within the council or social services. Be sure to include your full name, contact information, and any reference numbers associated with your case. Clearly outline the promises that were made, citing specific dates and documents where these commitments are recorded, confirming that the council would assist you in securing permanent accommodation within two years.

Providing clear evidence of the promises made to you and demonstrating that you have relied on these assurances in good faith can help establish the council's legal responsibility to support you. It is essential to be persistent, organised, and assertive in presenting your case to improve your chances of receiving the necessary assistance.

Taking these steps demonstrates to the council that you are committed to finding a resolution and holds them accountable for fulfilling their legal and ethical duties. I genuinely hope that things work out in your favour, as it seems that you have been misled and given false promises, leaving you in a vulnerable position.

Jimm_Scope

Hi @SupportSpider, first of all welcome to the community! I hope we can help you with this housing issue. I would say that MW123's comment is excellent advice for what to do. The council shouldn't be forcing you into homelessness, but you do need to do a few key things to make it clear what is going on. Please do ask if you need anything from their post clarified or are unsure about any of it!

SupportSpider

Hi! <3 Thank you so much for the responses. Sorry that I'm taking so long to reply to them, but this whole process has left me with very little energy to do much of anything, even as much as reading or responding to these.

I really appreciate this advice, though - I've been making sure that all correspondence is through e-mail, so I have everything recorded already, and I'll see about seeing a GP as soon as possible to see if they can write something about my conditions. I don't know how I'm going to find the energy to write a letter about it, at this point, but I will try. Thank you.

In the meantime, as I was asking previously, are there any recommendations for advocacy services? I absolutely need help with this, but I'm having trouble finding anything, myself.

WhatThe

Hi, I would try Shelter again. They may be able to assess you for Legal Aid funding and write the letter for you.

POhWER advocates in medical complaints rather than housing I believe.

CAB can act for you remotely if you can't travel to an office and will have direct links with the council.

MW123

@SupportSpider

Contact Shelter again and inform them that POhWER is not currently operational in your area. Shelter may offer to serve as an advocate on your behalf, assisting in negotiations with your local council or providing strategic guidance to enhance your case. Additionally, beginning Friday, you will have the opportunity to contact your newly elected MP for help in this matter, I sincerely hope they will extend their support to you.

Visit your local community centre if you have one. Many community centres have literature and can offer advice or connect you with organisations that may be able to assist you. It might sound unusual, but have you reached out to your local church? Many churches, regardless of denomination, offer various forms of support and assistance to community members, including those who are not religious or affiliated with that particular faith. These services are often part of their mission to help and support all individuals in need, regardless of beliefs.

I genuinely hope you find a compassionate advocate who can provide you with the necessary support during this challenging time.