One of the biggest decisions we will support you with is choosing where you are going to live. You have the right to accommodation that meets your needs. As you get closer to 18, we will talk to you about the different types of housing and accommodation that are available.
Part of living independently also means gaining skills that help you support yourself, like budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and understanding bills and rent. Your personal advisor can answer your questions and help you make the right decisions in this important stage of your life.
16 to 18 years old
If you are under 18 years old, you will be living:
- at home with a foster family
- in a residential home
- semi-independent living with staffing always on-site
Your accommodation won't change as soon as you turn 16 years old, unless there is a good reason.
18 to 21 years old
We will work with you to choose the right accommodation to support your needs and wishes.
Wherever you live it is your responsibility to make sure you keep the place tidy, help with chores, and make a financial contribution or pay bills if needed.
Once you are 18 you will be asked to pay rent in all supported accommodation places. You might be asked to contribute to the family home if you are ‘staying put’.
Paying your rent is important. Not paying rent can lead to debt or losing your home and we do not want that to happen. If you are worried about paying your rent or have missed payments, speak to your personal advisor as soon as possible and they can help you set up a manageable repayment plan.
What we can do
- explain your accommodation options to you so you can think about your future
- discuss housing options in North Somerset
- provide practical support when moving into and out of your home. This can include helping furnish your home and build life skills like self-care, cooking, shopping and laundry
- store your belongings for up to a month (sometimes longer) if needed
- support you to apply for housing
- support you through housing concerns, including providing support if you lose a tenancy
- offer you a new home parcel when you move
- help you as a guarantor for your property
