Quick links
Are you facing homelessness?
Where to go to help during the day:
1. Alone in London’s Information service can provide you with initial advice and information on what to do if you are homeless or about to become homeless and direct you to services in your area. We will also tell you how to access Alone in London should you need further support:
Alone in London's Information service is available from: 9am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm every weekday
Tel: 020 7 278 4224
Email: enquiries@als.org.uk
2. You can find information on options for homeless people, including hostels, day centres and other advice and support services at the following websites:
www.homelesslondon.org / www.homelessuk.org
3. Anyone homeless or under the threat of homelessness can visit their local council to determine eligibility for accommodation or advice on housing in their area.
If you are under 18, you can contact:
- your local council's Children’s Services (social services) or local Housing Department. You will be able to find your local authority's main telephone number from their website or by using a directory enquires number such as BT 118 500.
- your nearest Police station and tell them you need help. They can refer you to Children's Services directly
- Childline/NSPCC on 0800 11 11. They are available 24 hours a day and can refer you to children services and provide support and advice.
When you approach your local council's Children’s Services, Housing Department or Homeless Persons Unit, it’s a good idea to take some form of ID like a birth certificate or passport. If you are in work or on benefits, please take proof of this, e.g. a letter of entitlement to benefits or a wage slip.
If possible, try to get advice before you contact your local authority, either from Alone in London, Shelter or your local advice centre / Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
If it is outside office hours:
There are a number of organisations that are open outside of normal office hours these include:
Shelter – an organisation that provides advice on all aspects of homelessness. Their details are:
Shelter Housing Advice Helpline (Nationwide helpline)
0808 800 4444
8am – 8pm weekdays
8am – 5pm weekends and bank holidays
www.shelter.org.uk
Shelter Public Advice Line (for London only)
0344 515 1540
9am – 5pm weekdays
If you are under 18 years old you can:
- Contact your Local Authority out-of-hours service and ask to speak to a duty social worker – for telephone numbers see below
- Go along to your nearest police station and tell them you need help. They can refer you to children’s services / duty social work team
- Contact Childline / NSPCC on 0800 11 11. They are available 24 hours a day and can refer you to children’s services and provide support and advice: www.childline.org.uk
When you approach your local council's Children's Services, Housing Department or Homeless Persons Unit, it’s a good idea to take some form of ID like a birth certificate or passport. If you are in work or on benefits, please take proof of this, e.g. a letter of entitlement to benefits or a wage slip.
Local Authority Out of Hours Emergency Numbers:
Barking and Dagenham - 020 8594 8356; Barnet - 020 8359 2000; Bexley - 020 8303 7777; Brent - 020 8937 1234; Bromley - 020 8464 4848; Camden - 020 7974 4444; City of London - 020 7356 2346 3030; Croydon – 020 8726 6000; Ealing - 020 8825 5000; Enfield - 020 8379 1000; Greenwich - 020 8854 8888; Hackney - 020 8356 2300; Hammersmith & Fulham - 020 8748 8588; Haringey - 020 8348 3148; Harrow - 020 8424 0999; Havering - 01708 433999; Hillingdon - 01895 250111; Hounslow - 020 8583 2222; Islington - 020 7527 2000; Kensington & Chelsea - 020 7373 2213; Kingston-upon-Thames - 020 8547 5800; Lambeth - 020 7926 1000; Lewisham - 020 8314 6000; Merton - 020 8543 9750; Newham 020 8552 9587; Redbridge - 020 8554 5000; Richmond - 020 8744 2442; Southwark - 020 7525 5000; Sutton - 020 8770 5000; Tower Hamlets - 020 7364 7070.; Waltham Forest - 020 8496 3000; Wandsworth - 020 8871 6000; Westminster - 020 7641 1000
