Guide me through how to be listened to

Former Member

My past doesnt help my stress levels but neither does my housing situation.
Stress is having a knock on effect on my disability and I'm losing my ability to function and will to live. I dont feel like I'm being treated humanely.
I was made homeless and had to accept unsuitable temporary as it was all that was available. With the help from my advocate I'm on a list for temporary in another small town and have been clear on how im being effected. I've seen their housing allocations policy. With my homeless "priority", functional housing needs and all things considered I have a grand total of 0 points. They dont seem to take into account the needs I have as an autistic person to live in a quiet area away from drug addicts and antisocial neighbours etc which are part and parcel of being homeless. I've asked a few times over the phone and was redirected to the housing policy. I am nowhere near the top of the list and am finding it very frustrating. I dont know what I'm not saying or if Im just not annoying them enough?

Former Member

Hello @dollymix

Thank you for opening up to us about the way you've been feeling lately and about your experiences with being homeless as an autistic person - it all seems very stressful and overwhelming. I'm very sorry that this situation, coupled with the stress caused by past experiences, has been affecting your mental health in a negative way. Would you feel comfortable sharing with us what might be making you feel stressed on top of your current housing situation?

I have no experience with the situation and I see you're looking for advice on how to make your needs heard but there's an organisation called Scope which provides specialist support, information and advice to disabled people and their families. They offer support on a range of different topics, such as mental health, finance, housing, employment and more. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm on 0808 800 33 33. There is also a website www.scope.org.uk for online advice and support and to join their online community. You can also email at helpline@scope.org.uk

It is very frustrating that a service that you're relying on for help isn't properly taking your needs into account. Here are some more services that might be of help to fid better accommodation or other options:

Centrepoint provides homeless young people aged 16-25 with accommodation, health support and life skills in order to get them back into education, training and employment. They can also help people worried about a young person they know. You can call them on 0808 800 0661 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or chat to them online Monday to Friday between 10am-4pm. You can visit their website on www.centrepoint.org.uk.

DePaul Nightstop offer a support network of accredited Nightstop services throughout the UK, each providing safe emergency accommodation for homeless young people in the homes of approved volunteers. They offer family support, counselling and mediation, and also work with the parents and carers of young people who run away or go missing. You can contact their helpline Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0207 939 1254, email them at nightstop@depaulcharity.org.uk or visit their website at www.depaulnightstopuk.org to find more about their services.

There's a website called Homeless Link which offers information for people in England in vulnerable housing situations. You can search their online directory of thousands of homelessness services across England, including accommodation, day centres and support services. Their website is www.homeless.org.uk


Sending hugs, let us know if you need any more advice or support