Other reasons you might be at risk of homelessness

If you have drink or substance misuse problems, we may be able to help if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness and you are unable to make provisions for yourself. 

Our duty

We can provide advice to you to help you find alternative accommodation.

We will not have a duty to provide temporary accommodation unless you are considered to be eligible, homeless and have priority need. You can find out more about the assessment criteria on our webpages or contact Shelter 080 8800 4444.

If you are single with support needs you are strongly advised to engage and register with the drug and alcohol service. After this, you may be referred and assessed for supported housing. There are very limited properties and you may be waiting some time, so you are advised to work with your options officer to find an alternative suitable home.

Other related services and support

For further advice and assistance, you can talk to your GP about referrals to help your recovery.

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - helpline for people with drink problems
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – for people with drink or drug problems
• Talk to Frank - offers free confidential advice 24 hours a day
• Drinkline: 0300 123 1110
• Drugs line: 0808 160 6606
• Adfam National - national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol
• Alateen: support for 12 to 20-year-olds affected by someone else's drinking.
• London Friend: LGBT targeted drug and alcohol support service.
• Human Kind: 020 7582 2200

If your home is not habitable following a fire, flood or other emergency, you should contact:

• Your Housing Officer if you are a Housing Association tenant
• Your landlord if you are a private tenant

You can also request a callback from our Housing team. We will contact you as soon as possible.

You can also call us: 020 8891 7409

We can help you find temporary accommodation and understand what your landlord or insurance may cover.

You can also get advice from:

• Shelter: 0808 800 4444
• Citizens Advice Richmond: 0808 278 7873

If you’re under 18, Achieving for Children will help you find somewhere to live.

Telephone: 020 8891 1411

If you’re 18 to 25, your personal adviser should continue supporting you with housing, benefits and independent living.

If you’re unsure who to contact, you can request a callback from our Housing team. We will aim to call you back on the same day (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Your main point of contact is the Defence Transition Services (DTS) team:

• Email: DBSVets-DTS-Central@mod.gov.uk 
• Website: Information and guidance on civilian housing - GOV.UK

Other organisations that can help:

• SPACES: 01748 833797
• Royal British Legion: 0808 802 8080
• Veterans UK: 0808 191 4218

If you need local support, you can request a callback from our Housing team. We will contact you as soon as possible.

You can also call us: 020 8891 7409

Speak to your probation officer or prison housing adviser before release. They can help you plan where you will live and make a referral to us if needed.

If you have nowhere to stay, contact:

• Nacro BASS: 0300 555 0264
• St Giles Trust: 020 7703 7000

You can request a callback from our Housing team. We will contact you as soon as possible.

Tell the hospital discharge team as early as possible.

The discharge team can make a referral to us with your consent.

If you need help applying for housing or adapting your home, you can request a callback from our Housing team.

You can also call us: 020 8891 7409

If you’re falling behind with payments, you can request a callback from our Housing team. We will contact you as soon as possible.

Arrears can build quickly and put your home at risk.

We can help you with:

• Rent or mortgage arrears
• Budgeting problems
• Benefit changes
• Eviction or repossession notices
• Talking to your landlord or lender
• Understanding Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)

Free independent debt advice:

• Citizens Advice: 0808 278 7873
• National Debtline: 0800 804 4000
• StepChange: 0800 138 1111
• Money Advice Service: 0300 500 5000