Leaving Home
Leaving home is a big step. Finding a new place to live
and moving is not always easy and can be stressful. The first
time is always the worst!
Whether or not you have a choice about leaving home, think
carefully before taking the plunge and signing up for a new home.
There are lots of things to think about:
- Money - have you thought about all the bills and basic
living costs such as food you will have?
- Where do you want to be close to or far from friends and
family?
- Living on your own can give you independence. Or it can
show you the real meaning of loneliness. Can you really go it
alone?
- Have you considered having to cook, clean and wash your own
clothes?
- Have you thought about what you might have to give up if you
leave home money for going out, time to be spent cleaning and
shopping?
These are just the basics of what you need to think about if
you are going to find a home of your own. This booklet will help
you to answer these questions and help you to decide the best way
for you to set up on your own.
Under 16
Technically you are not allowed to leave home before you are
16, but if living at home is unbearable you can get
help. Children Services has a duty to help you, so
give them a call. You could also contact Childline for some
moral support.
Leaving Care
If you are leaving care, you must approach your social worker
who will be able to work out a Pathways plan for you. This
will tell you what you support you are going to get when you leave
care.
What To Do If You Find Yourself Out On The Street
The Council has a legal duty to help and assist homeless
people.
If you are homeless, you must go to the council and they
will be able to tell you how they can help you. At the very
least they will be able to give you housing advice.
Contact a Senior Housing Advisor at Kendal 01539 733333.