Housing and support for young people
If you are having problems at home, or are thinking of running away, there is lots of help out there, which you can access for free, so make sure you ask someone for help.
- Whatever time of day or night you can call the ChildLine 24 hour helpline on 0800 1111 or visit the ChildLine website.
- Or, call The Runaway Helpline on 0808 800 7070 or text 80234 - you can text the helpline even if you have no credit left on your mobile phone.
If you’re under 16
Contact Staffordshire County Council's children services on 0800 1313 126, or in an emergency (outside office hours) dial 0345 604 2886.
They will try and help you sort things out so you can stay at home. If living at home is too dangerous or impossible, they can:
- arrange for you to live with another family member or adult, like a friend’s parent
- find you emergency accommodation
- look at other options including living with a foster family
If you’re 16 or 17
Contact Staffordshire County Council's children services on 0800 1313 126, or in an emergency (outside office hours) dial 0345 604 2886.
Because you will probably be considered a child in need, they may help you to find accommodation. They will consider if there’s any way you can return home or go and live with another relative. They can’t force you to go back somewhere you don’t feel safe.
You’re a child in need if you’re under 18 and:
- you’re living with a violent person
- you don’t have money for food
- you don’t have anywhere to live
- you have problems that affect your health or education (eg you’re disabled)
- your home is uninhabitable (eg there’s been a fire or flood)
Financial support
If you are over 16 and are on a low income, you may be able to get financial support to help you pay your rent. The amount you can claim is usually restricted to that of a shared room rate. Find out more about applying for financial support in our benefits section.
You may also be eligible for supported housing for young people, such as Rugeley Foyer.