I'm under 18 and at risk of being or already am homeless

Being homeless means having no fixed place to stay or place to feel safe and secure.

It is important to try and get as much support as you can to access services that are out there to help you.

If you're under 18 years of age and are either homeless or at risk of homelessness, you should:

• call the council on 01424 451100, phone service hours are available here.

We will need to assess your housing situation.  As we work jointly with East Sussex County Council, we may need to pass your contact details to them to enable them to carry out a more detailed assessment of your housing situation.

East Sussex County Council contact details:

• Call the Single Point of Advice (SPOA): telephone 01323 464222

SPOA is open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Emergency help

If you cannot go home and it is the weekend or nighttime, try to stay with a friend or family member.

If there is an emergency, you can call the East Sussex Emergency Duty Service:

• Telephone: 01273 335905.
• A social worker will call you back and tell you what to do next

Children's Services work with young people and their families to help solve problems. In most cases the best option will be to support you to stay living with your family. If this is not possible and you have nowhere to stay or it is unsafe for you to return home, Children's Services will be able to find you temporary accommodation.

East Sussex County Council has more information on their website.

Shelter provides housing advice for young people.