Where will I live?

Your housing options

When you leave care, there are different housing options available depending on your needs, circumstances and future plans. Some young people stay with their foster carer or move in with family, while others choose supported accommodation, private renting or social housing.

Your personal adviser (PA) and other professionals will be there to work with you to explore and understand the options available, and help you find accommodation that is safe, suitable and sustainable.

Important:

  • Before deciding on the best housing for you, make sure you understand any costs, charges or contributions you may need to pay. Your accommodation and support arrangements should be reviewed regularly to make sure they continue to meet your needs.
  • You should also have a back-up plan in case your accommodation ends unexpectedly or is no longer suitable. If this happens, contact your PA as soon as possible so they can help you explore other options and make sure you have the support you need.

Staying Put

  • What this option offers - staying with your former foster carer after you turn 18. 
  • Who it may suit - young people who want more time and support before living independently. 
  • Access and decision - agreed between you, your former foster carer and Children's Services.

Family, friends and other support networks 

  • What this option offers - living with family, friends or another trusted adult if the arrangement is safe, stable and right for you. 
  • Who it may suit - young people who have a positive relationship with someone who can offer them a home. 
  • Access and decision - your PA will help review whether the arrangement is suitable and what support may be needed. 

University and other education accommodation

  • What this option offers - support to find accommodation for university or college, including help with halls, vacation holiday? accommodation and available funding. 
  • Who it may suit - young people going into higher or further education who need a stable place to live during and outside term time. 
  • Access and decision - speak to your PA before accepting accommodation or making any financial commitments. 

Supported accommodation

  • What this option offers - supported housing with on-site staff, advice and practical help to build your independence. 
  • Who it may suit - young people who need a safe place to live with support before moving into their own tenancy. 
  • Access and decision - Children's Services will make a referral and the provider will assess whether the accommodation is suitable for you. 

Staying Close

  • What this option offers - shared accommodation with regular support to help you develop the skills needed for independent living.
  • Who it may suit - young people who are ready for more independence but would still benefit from ongoing support.
  • Access and decision - your PA can make a referral and help decide if Staying Close is the right option for you.

Supported lodgings 

  • What this option offers - a room in a family home with support from a trained host to help you build confidence and independence. 
  • Who it may suit - young people who would benefit from living in a family environment while preparing for independent living. 
  • Access and decision - your PA can make a referral and help decide if supported lodgings is right for you. 

Hillingdon Shared Lives

  • What this option offers - living with an approved Shared Lives carer who can provide accommodation, support and a family-based home environment.
  • Who it may suit - young people with care and support needs who may benefit from living with a Shared Lives carer instead of living independently.
  • Access and decision - your social worker or PA  can help arrange an assessment to see if Shared Lives is suitable for you.

Finding your own tenancy with support 

  • What this option offers – help from our Homefinder team to find a private rented home. Also includes support with affordability checks, rent and bills, and setting up a tenancy. 
  • Who it may suit – young people who are ready for an independent tenancy and can afford to live in private rented accommodation, but need help finding a suitable property. 
  • Access and decision – your PA can refer you to the Housing Needs and Homelessness Service. If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you will be assigned a housing caseworker and receive a Personal Housing Plan. Your housing caseworker can then refer you to our Homefinder team. 

Finding your own home

  • What this option offers – the opportunity to find your own private rented property rather than waiting for one to be sourced through our Homefinder team.
  • Who it may suit – young people who want more choice about where they live and are happy to take an active role in finding accommodation.
  • Access and decision – if you find a property that is affordable and suitable, send the details to your homelessness caseworker before signing any tenancy agreement. Our Homefinder team must check that the property is safe and meets the required standards.

Help with a tenancy guarantor

  • What this option offers – support for eligible young people who are ready to rent privately but cannot meet a landlord's guarantor requirement.
  • Who it may suit – young people who can afford a private tenancy but are struggling to secure one because they do not have a guarantor.
  • Access and decision – eligibility and available support will be explained by your housing caseworker. If the scheme is available, they will assess whether it is suitable for you.

Housing Register and social housing

  • What this option offers – the opportunity to apply for social housing through Hillingdon's Housing Register if you meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Who it may suit – young people with higher support needs where social housing may provide the most suitable route to independent living.
  • Access and decision – your PA can help you apply and provide supporting evidence. Housing Services will assess your application and let you know the outcome.

Please note:

  • Social housing is in high demand and waiting times can be long.
  • Care experienced young people do not need to meet the usual 10-year local residency requirement, but this does not guarantee a housing offer or priority status.