Sofa surfing and homeless: finding support

You are hopping from sofa to sofa, friend to friend. You are tired, confused and just so scared about what happens when you eventually run out of couches to crash on. If this sounds like you, you are probably sofa surfing. And sofa surfing, contrary to popular belief, is a form of homelessness.

But don’t worry, there are ways to get help and we are here with information about what is available, where you can turn and what you need to do. The important thing to keep in mind is that, even without sleeping rough, you can get help finding somewhere to sleep long term – not just for the night. This page will guide you through what counts as sofa surfing, how to get help from your local council, what kind of help you can receive and other important resources.

What is sofa surfing?

Sofa surfing means that you don’t have anywhere permanent to live and are staying for short periods with friends, family members or even people you don’t know as well. You may be staying on sofas or floors, not being able to settle in one place for long.

Is sofa surfing classed as homeless?

Despite having somewhere to sleep at night, you are still considered homeless. With no fixed address or legal right to stay anywhere, a person who is sofa surfing is classified as homeless. This means that you have rights to support – you do not need to end up on the streets to get help.

Getting help from the council while sofa surfing

Because you are considered homeless, you have the right to access support from your local council. The way to do this is to make a homeless application. To do this, you need to start by locating your local council.

It’s important to start this process as soon as possible. Try to start it before you move onto your next sleeping situation. It can take up to eight weeks for the application to be processed and a decision to be made on what kind of support you’ll be offered.

What help will the council give me?

The help you are offered from the council will vary, but they must look into your situation and create a personalised housing plan with you. It should focus on finding you somewhere safe to live for at least six months. Be sure to follow the plan and take the actions it advises to help you find somewhere to live.

You may be able to receive money for a tenancy deposit or rent in advance. The council may also be able to help you find somewhere to rent, so be sure to ask. You should also be able to join the housing register to access council housing. You will get some amount of priority on the list if you are homeless.

There are some circumstances that mean you have a ‘priority need.’ These circumstances include if you:

• Are under the age of 18
• Are at risk of domestic abuse
• Are pregnant or have children under the age of 18
• Are under 21 and have left care
• Have health or mental health difficulties
• Have a disability
• Have served in the armed forces
• Have lost your housing as a result of an emergency like a fire or flood.

If you are a ‘priority need’ and are eligible, the council must offer you emergency or temporary accommodations right away. Emergency accommodation will be a short-term arrangement lasting only a night or so while a housing plan is created. Meanwhile, temporary accommodation can last anywhere from a month to two years depending on need.

If the council say they cannot help you or suggest that you are not homeless, ask for a review. You may even be able to find free legal advice for how to proceed.

If it’s possible and safe, ask the friends and family you are staying with if you can stay longer. This will give you longer to search for safe accommodations of your own.

Who else can help me while sofa surfing?

Several local YMCAs can accept emergency and self-referrals. YMCA England & Wales is actually the largest voluntary provider of supported housing for young people in England and Wales. Providing nearly 10,000 beds every night, they house and holistically support 20,357 people. Having this support helps these young people to build their lives from a stable base.

You can find local YMCAs offering housing across England and Wales on our website, together with contact numbers: Find Your Local YMCA. (Please use the ‘categories’ function and select ‘accommodation’.)

In addition to YMCA, you can find support and guidance with these organisations:

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice can help you with important information, give you guidance on your homeless application and help you find somewhere to stay the night if needed.

Samaritans

Speaking to the volunteers at Samaritans can give you someone to talk to about your situation and your mental health. They are also able to signpost you to resources that make sense for your situation.

Homeless Link database

The Homeless Link database is a resource that can help you sort through the different kinds of help you might need. You can also filter the results by the kind of support offered, the service provided and your local authority.

I’m sofa surfing and don’t feel safe

Just because you are sofa surfing doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to get the help you need. It can feel extremely vulnerable to be relying on another person to have a roof over your head, but you do not have to stay in an unsafe situation. There are ways out.

People in this situation, especially young people, sometimes find themselves being abused. This is wrong, no matter the situation and regardless of whether or not they are providing you housing.

If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 999 and speak to emergency services.

If you are being abused in the place you are staying, even staying for a short time, this is considered domestic abuse. You can get help from any council (not just your local one) and this domestic abuse is considered a ‘priority need’ so you should receive immediate support.

You can also find space in a refuge that is run by a charity. If you do this, you should still make a homeless application to the council so you can start receiving long-term help.

Here are the charities you can contact if you are being abused:

If you are under 18 and experiencing abuse, violence or threats where you live, you should contact child services with your local council as soon as possible. You can find your local council here. Their site will be able to guide you to the correct contacts. You can also speak to a trusted adult at your school or college who can speak up on your behalf.

Childline

Call: 0800 1111 for confidential support.
Visit Childline’s website

24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline

Confidential advice and support for women experiencing domestic violence and for those calling on their behalf.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Visit the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline site

Men’s Advice Line website

Confidential advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse from a current or ex-partner.
Call: 0808 801 0327
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Visit the Men’s Advice Line website

Galop

Support for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced domestic abuse, hate crime and sexual violence.
Call: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Visit Galop’s Website