Homelessness

See if any friends or relatives will let you stay with them for a night or two. Depending on your age and circumstances, emergency accommodation can sometimes be available.

Talk to someone

The following can offer advice if you're about to be made homeless/are homeless.

• Missing People has a 24-hour runaway helpline (0808 800 70 70, text 80234) - talk through your situation and, if you want, pass a message to your family (or someone else) to let them know you're safe  
• If you're over 18 and want to get a message home, you can contact the Missing People's adult service on 0800 700 740.
• Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, can provide advice. Their helpline (0808 800 4444) is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 8am to 5pm.

Emergency accommodation

• If you're 16 or over: you can present at the Local Housing Options/Advice team (see links on the right), or Youth Support Team or Social Care who will be able to help.
• If you are under 16: social services (at the council) will try to help you - depending on your situation, this could mean discussing things with your family/carers and finding you somewhere safe to stay. Some of the larger police stations may be open late if you cannot think where else to turn.

NB Organisations that can refer you to emergency accommodation are usually ONLY open during the daytime but the police will be able to put you in touch with the Emergency Duty Team who will assist out of hours.

Living on the streets

In an emergency, this must be a last resort as it can be very dangerous. If there's absolutely no alternative....

• Lots of layers protect from the cold - also put newspapers or cardboard on the ground.
• Try to find somewhere sheltered to stay, away from the weather and the general public.
• In the short term, sweet/fatty food can help keep you warm and provide energy. 

Other help

You may also be able to find accommodation in a hostel or with volunteers in their own homes ('Nightstop'), for instance.

Childline are there to support and listen to you on their confidential, freephone line: 0800 1111

The police can also help in an emergency, you can present yourself at any police station and ask for help. Click here for link to Gloucestershire Constabulary.