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Local Support Schemes

Find deposit assistance, guarantor schemes, and housing support in your area

Housing Support Resources

Comprehensive resources, contacts, and guidance for accessing housing support

National Support Organizations
Major charities and organizations providing housing support across the UK

Crisis UK

Housing Support

National charity providing deposit guarantee schemes and housing support.

0300 636 1967
crisis.org.uk

Services:

Deposit guarantees
Housing advice
Homelessness prevention

Shelter

Housing Advice

Housing charity offering advice and practical help with housing problems.

0808 800 4444
shelter.org.uk

Services:

Emergency helpline
Legal advice
Help to Rent scheme

Citizens Advice

General Advice

Free, confidential advice on housing, benefits, and legal issues.

0800 144 8848
citizensadvice.org.uk

Services:

Housing advice
Benefits guidance
Debt advice

StepChange Debt Charity

Debt Advice

Free debt advice to help with rent arrears and financial difficulties.

0800 138 1111
stepchange.org

Services:

Debt advice
Budget planning
Creditor negotiation
Government Resources
Official government guidance and support schemes

GOV.UK Private Renting

Official Guidance

Official government guidance on private renting rights and responsibilities.

Discretionary Housing Payments

Benefits

Information about extra help with housing costs through local councils.

Universal Credit Housing Element

Benefits

How Universal Credit helps with housing costs and rental payments.

Council Housing and Housing Associations

Social Housing

Information about applying for social housing through local councils.

Practical Guides
Step-by-step guidance for navigating housing support systems

Preparing Your Application

How to prepare a strong application for housing support schemes.

  • Gather all required documentation in advance
  • Understand eligibility criteria for your area
  • Prepare a clear statement of housing need
  • Consider getting support from an advisor

Working with Landlords

Tips for approaching landlords when using council schemes.

  • Explain the scheme benefits to landlords
  • Provide council contact details for verification
  • Emphasize ongoing support available
  • Be transparent about your situation

Managing Repayments

How to successfully manage loan repayments and maintain good standing.

  • Set up direct debits for consistent payments
  • Contact the council immediately if struggling
  • Keep records of all payments made
  • Understand consequences of missed payments
Emergency Contacts
Immediate help for crisis situations

Homeless Tonight

Local Council Emergency Line

Available 24/7 in most areas

StreetLink

0300 500 0914

Report rough sleeping

Domestic Violence

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247

24/7 freephone

Refuge

0808 2000 247

Emergency accommodation

Mental Health Crisis

Samaritans

116 123

24/7 free from any phone

NHS 111

111

Mental health support