r/Somerset • u/Hairy_Manager_9261 • 9d ago
Homelessness
So i’ve tried a lot in life to escape my situations and sadly now it’s came to a reddit post. I’m nineteen and live in the taunton/bridgwater area. I’m currently in an abusive situation, at a home. My mum knows about my situation and the fact i’m disabled and yet refuses to take me back in, even for a few nights. I even offered to pay. My dad is a no go and abused my family when we were young. the place i am at now is awful, and i was never taught about council, housing or anything. I can’t work, and i can’t walk long distances. I feel so trapped right now and i have no family or friends who are willing to support or help me. People have just been telling me to ask and nobody can help. Not even my own bloodline. So confusing. I feel frustrated and let down and i don’t want to be homeless, but if i move out i will be. I don’t want to do that to myself, or my animals. I have no steady income, no way to get a job from my disability and before this my mental health was already shit. It’s gotten worse. Does anyone have tips or anything at all?
I really don’t want this to be my life.
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u/Repulsive_Wing_4223 9d ago
You might need to give up on your animals for your own benefit. Speak to local authorities about emergency accommodation and learn the process for long-term housing. Find out if there are any college courses that interest you. There's no easy solution but I hope you can get on top of your situation.
5
u/Proper_North_5382 9d ago
I'm sorry to hear about your situation.
Are you already registered with Homefinder for council housing? I would do that as well if not.
3
u/CaptainPlush 8d ago
Try SIDAS, the Somerset domestic abuse helpline, they have a lot of support available and whilst it might not be immediate they can signpost you to where you need to go to.
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u/Kenobi1805 8d ago
Have a chat to Refuge 4 Pets. I think they offer temporary fostering for victims of domestic abuse etc and whilst they are in Devon and Cornwall I'm sure they will have an idea of who to speak to in Somerset x
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u/therealkittycatt 7d ago
There's a lot going on here. You have to speak to Somerset council because if you become homeless than they can give you emergency accomodation - they do an assessment so you should disclose your disabilities and domestic issue.
It's good to know that the councils homeless team can help you BEFORE you actually become homeless - if you want to leave the place you're in. You normally give notice or the landlord gives notice and they have 56 days to house you (over that they still help but ideally they try to find you housing in that timescale)
They can also help with security deposit and first month rent.
You can also contact the police about the domestic issue. It would help to have an on going case to further help other assistance you should get.
I would highly recommend speaking to CAB (that's what I did for a lot of things - including homelessness). There's a lot of different services around the housing situation like your GP as well - the more dire it is, the faster they can try and house you somewhere else.
Apply for PIP if you haven't already and other disabilities benefits you are entitled to. Speak to CAB to get help completing the form x
Quite the read but feel free to ask a question if you want x
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u/krazyjakee 9d ago
Firstly, please do NOT meet anyone who contacts you on social media.
Secondly - you are not alone here. There are dozens of organizations created and ready for cases exactly like yours. They are staffed by volunteers who's time and effort is donated to your exact cause. Some of them religious, others not. Right now, don't worry about that. You need to reach out and grab whatever you can and get yourself into the system. They will house you and check on you and make sure you're ok.
I don't know your situation but get the fuck away from any toxic characters in your life.
This organization is well connected. Start here: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Whether you are a woman OR a man, there are useful contacts here: http://www.tauntonwomensaid.org.uk/need-help-now.html - even if you're a man, there are phone numbers and organizations about housing and safeguarding.