If you’re aged 16 to 24 and homeless, or are worried about becoming homeless

You don't have to be sleeping on the streets to be classed as homeless, you could be:

staying with friends or with relatives
sofa surfing
staying with your partner’s parents
squatting
at risk of violence or abuse at home
living in poor conditions that affect your health

If you don't have a legal right to stay there, you are technically homeless.

What to do if you are homeless tonight

Aged 16 or 17

If you are homeless tonight and aged 16 or 17, you must contact your social worker (if you have one) straight away.

Otherwise, contact one of the Youth Homeless and Housing Officers listed below, or the Safeguarding Hub. We will talk to you about what is going on and concentrate on helping you to find somewhere safe to stay tonight.

Emmie Sutherland
Tel: 07825 313726
Email: emmie.sutherland@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Megan Walker
Tel: 07386 658909
Email: megan.walker@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Safeguarding Hub
Tel: 0300 373 2723

Download our 16- and 17-year-old housing options leaflet for more information:

westmorland_and_furness_housing_support_for_16_17_yo_homeless_-_march_2024_-_accessible.pdf (PDF, 204.93KB)

Aged 18 and over

If you find yourself homeless or are at risk of being homeless, you need to contact your local Housing Options Team using the phone number of your local area below:

Barrow: 01229 876543
Eden: 01768 861499
South Lakeland: 01539 793199

Anyone can make a homeless application if they are homeless or at risk of homelessness within 28 days. The council has to investigate your homelessness situation - they have a legal duty to do this. What help you get after the investigation will depend on your personal circumstances.

Download our 18 to 24-year-old housing options leaflet for more information:

westmorland_and_furness_housing_support_for_18-24_yo_homeless_-_march_2024_-_accessible.pdf (PDF, 161.99KB)

If you are care experienced

If you need help with your housing situation your personal adviser should be your first point of contact. Visit our care experienced section to find out what other support is available.

What to do if you are worried about becoming homeless

If you are being threatened with homelessness, please don't wait until you are actually kicked out. Get in touch with someone as soon as possible and they will help.

If you are under 18, contact Children's Services Safeguarding Hub on 0300 373 2723.

If you are over 18, contact your local Housing Options Team immediately.