Council emergency housing

[Applecider96]

I am 28 weeks pregnant and need emergency housing from the council. I live with my mum and brother and he is violent and has skitzophrenia. If I apply for emergency housing with the council will I be put in a flat or something basic, or will I be put into a hostel or public accommodation? The latter is what I'm worried about

You’ll be put literally wherever is available at the time and balanced against anyone else who also needs emergency accommodation. Where we are there’s a real shortage and so as a single person you’d be more likely in sheltered accommodation type thing rather than a flat in an emergency as they try to prioritise getting the families into the small amount of flats that are available, but every council is different. Good luck x

Where are you? Highly Most likely a hostel or room at first for emergency. Then temporary which again could a room or a house. Just whatever they have available. You cannot turn Down the options as you make yourself homeless. It is a long process depending on your council. Good luck

Where in the country are you?

It's likely to be a hostel or bnb to begin with.

East suffolk area x

In my experience, single people get placed in hostels or b&bs which are full of other homeless people. You need to prevent as homeless and explain your situation for them to assess your need and if they have a duty care to house you.

If he is violent. Has a mh disorder and is a risk to you all shouldn't he be getting assessed and rehoused somewhere safe,

Almost everyone I have seen needing emergency accommodation in the last couple of years has ended up in a b&b or hostel type place. Including families with multiple kids, so you, as a single person woukd be very likely to get that type of accommodation.

Unfortunately if you refuse then they will tell you they don't have an obligation to house you.

Things sound really tough op, is there a partner involved who can help? Has your brother been violent towards you? If so you can contact women's aid. May be worth asking social services for help as well, with 12 weeks to go you're going to need a place to live so you're not exposing your baby to a violent individual.

Where I am in NW you would get put in a hostel or shitty hotel…..but in my experience the shittier the better ….then it will be deemed unsuitable for a newborn…..and you eligible for children’s services support…eg .early help to support you get something better

If he's violent, surely your mum is at risk too? He obviously needs help.

Beggars can't be choosers in an emergency, you'll go to a B&B or similar.
I'd do it sooner rather than later if you are at risk where you are as it'll be trickier the heavier pregnant you are. It'll be annoying but a temporary fixture. Ear plugs, mattress topper, some home comforts and you'll manage.

Is there no additional help for your brother that would be the better option though, to protect you, mum and baby and get brother some support but I'm assuming that's not an option.

In my county you would need a police report to 'prove' your brother's violence in order to qualify as being at risk. Too many housing authorities now are trying to deem applicants as voluntarily homeless, in which case you won't be eligible for temporary accommodation.

It seems to depend on where you are in the UK and unfortunately it varies, I'm sorry OP. It's wrong imo and I hope the new government prioritises increasing social housing.

Is it possible to get social services involved to help to rehouse your brother? If he's violent it might be better for your mum even if you get somewhere else to live.

Ideally he'd be in decent supported housing where he'd get support with his mental health needs. Unfortunately this is also area dependent and there's been a lot of funding cuts.

Years ago a friend's brother with similar issues to your brother was placed in a fantastic supported housing flat. He had his own self contained studio in a small block with other people with similar needs and support staff lived on site.

I don't know if there's anything like that in your area but it's worth looking into. It was the best option for my friend's brother and her mum. The mum couldn't cope with living at home (he was violent at times) but also the supported housing and on site support staff really helped him manage his needs.

This would likely be classed as making yourself homeless and you wouldn't be eligible for housing unless you have proof of significant risk to you I suspect. If your brother is that unwell he should be being reviewed by MH services rather than you and your mum having to leave the property?

Op would not be classed as making herself homless as she's at risk where she is . So they wpuks put her into emgency accommodation.

I just had a look and found this. Might be suitable for your brother? He'll need to be referred by a social worker or mental health services so contact them as soon as possible.

www.suffolkmind.org.uk/services/supported-housing/

@Applecider96 emergency accommodation can be anything to be honest. Just accept what ever they offer you . If your at risk you will take anything. If its really bad then appeal it once your in the accommodation. But definitely take it as they will end their duty if you refuse.

The type of emergency accommodation varies and depends what's available on the day. Hostel, BandB, hotel or small flat. You could be there a few weeks or even months. But they will find you somewhere suitable as soon as they can as you're pregnant. Is there a social worker involved? Could you self refer to early help? They might be a support in advocating for you.