Homeless in temp accommodation waiting for council home

[Nay2021]

Hey guys. This is my first post. So ive been in temp accommodation in Manchester for over three years. I am on Manchester move waiting for a council home. I suffer with mental health and have asked the housing to considering rehousing me close to my support network (mostly my mum & GP) they have told me that it doesn’t make a difference to my application and I will be expected to accept the first offer they give me, they never consider me for homes close by to where I need to be. I have now been offered a flat which is over an hours travel to not only my support network but also 4 bus rides away from my sons school. Is there any one or any sort of organisation that can fight for me? I have doctors letters, letters from my MH counsellor and the housing won’t even read them. If anyone knows anything or has been in a similar situation themselves I would be hugely appreciative for any help and/or advice. Thank you.

The housing officer should be reading any supporting information and taking it into account. The issue is availability of housing unfirtunately. The LA have a duty to offer you suitable accommodation. Their idea of suitable and yours sound like they're very different.

Do you have a deadline to make a decision by?

I'd always advise that you accept the offer, send submit a review of suitability with the help of Shelter.

Thank you for replying. I have contacted the housing to express my concerns and I’ve been told a manager will review it and call me, but that was three weeks ago and I’ve still not heard about if I need to take it. While this was going on I bid on a property on the same street as my sons school and I was position 1-5 out of 283 bidders, then when I checked it this morning it said I was position 986 🥺 I just feel like I’m fighting a losing battle it’s so hard and it doesn’t help with my anxieties either 😩

I’d speak to shelter as they will be able to give you accurate and helpful advice
Not knowing the area, I would say that there is a huge housing shortage and they might be correct. Can your son move schools? Is there an option to house swop once you are in a home? Can the council assist you to find a private rental in your preferred area?

I think you will need to be a bit flexible sorry.

But shelter is your best bet for the right advice