HOUSING - Advice Guide

Housing
Advice Guide

Where to go

Places to stay

Who can help
Housing Options Team,
Town Hall
St Stephens Road
Bournemouth
01202 451467
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Homeless?
Having problems with housing and looking for accommodation and assistance can be a very distressing and worrying time.
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, the first thing to do is to get advice from the
Housing Options Team; Our aim is to prevent homelessness and our ability to do this is increased
if you tell us as soon as you believe there is a threat to your home. Please contact us on 01202
451467 to make an appointment; an advisor in the Housing Options team will then assess your
homeless application, make enquires, request certain documentation, and let you know if the
council has a duty to re-house you. We may be able to refer you to other agencies for assistance
and support though
Please note, that just because a person is homeless, the council does not always have a duty to
secure them somewhere to live. However, everyone is entitled to advice and guidance to assist
them to find accommodation for themselves.
Where Can I Stay Tonight?
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, you should try to stay with friends or family
whilst you arrange where you are going to live. If you cannot do this and need somewhere to stay
tonight, you may be able to find a place in a night shelter or hostel. Further information is available on the next page.
Bournemouth’s Re-Connection Service
If you are new to the Bournemouth area and have no access to accommodation, you may only be
able to access very temporary housing. For advice and further assistance you should contact the
Street Services team who will help to establish what assistance you are entitled to.
If it is established that you DO have a local connection to Bournemouth the Street Services Team
can advise you on accessing housing and other support in Bournemouth.
If you DO NOT have a local connection to Bournemouth, they will help you look at your other options which will include helping you to find accommodation and support back in your local area if it
is appropriate for you to return.
If you DO NOT have a local connection to Bournemouth, you must engage with Street Services to
arrange suitable accommodation in another area; if you do not engage, or if you refuse an offer of
reasonable accommodation access to some services could be withdrawn.
Street Services run a local connection clinic Monday to Friday, 9am—11 am from St Paul's Hostel, 10 St Paul's Lane, Bournemouth and a return home drop in service from 43 Oxford Road,
Bournemouth (01202 315962).
For further information, please visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Housing/PrivateHousing/
ReconnectionsProtocolApril2010.doc
Council Accommodation
Council accommodation is not used to relieve homelessness as the demand for council/housing association accommodation far outweighs the availability, and this creates a long waiting list. This
waiting list, is called the Housing Register and you can apply to be included by completing a Housing Register form which is available from our offices at the Town Hall or you can call 01202 451467.
This is the only route into council/housing association property- there is no fast track.
All vacancies are advertised, so you can quickly assess what properties are available and how many
people have noted their interest in the property. More information will be provided in the wel2
come pack when you register, or you can visit our website at www.dorsethomechoice.org.
Hostels
There are a number of hostels available in Bournemouth, they cater for people facing a range of
different circumstances. It is best to telephone first to check that they have a room available as
you may be turned away if you arrive and the hostel is full or they are unable to carry out an assessment on the day.
ST PAULS
DESCRIPTION: There is a fee of £3 per person per night, which includes accommodation, a hot
meal, breakfast and shower facilities. Residents must book on a daily basis. Bookings are taken
throughout the day though the earlier you attend the more likely you are to be able to access a
bed. Any spare beds will be allocated at 9pm.
A: St Pauls, 10 St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth
T: 01202 587160
W: www.bcha.org.uk
Staffed: 24 hours
AGE ACCEPTED: 18+ / PETS: Yes
REFERRAL: Self Referrals
YMCA
DESCRIPTION: The YMCA is a large hostel providing support services to single homeless people aged
16 to 60 with a variety of needs. Meals are provided to clients residing in the hostel. Services on
site include; in house counsellor, on site gym, radio station, recording studio and media centre.
Once clients have demonstrated that they are ready to move on to more independent accommodation there are also self contained flats available on site. The YMCA is a dry hostel and regular drug
tests are in operation.
A: 56 Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2 BS
T: 01202 290451
W: www.bournemouthymca.org.uk
Staffed: 24 hours
AGE ACCEPTED: 16+ / PETS: No
REFERRAL: Agency or Self Referrals
HANNAH HOUSE
DESCRIPTION: Hannah House is fully supported accommodation for people who are alcohol dependent or actively drinking and over the age of 18. The scheme is staffed 24-hours a day and support is
provided to maintain the safety and security of residents, to help with day to day living and assist
with housing related issues
T: 01202 757909
W: www.bcha.org.uk
Staffed: 24 hours
AGE ACCEPTED: 18+ / PETS: No
REFERRAL: Agency or Self Referrals
REFUGES
DESCRIPTION: If you have become homeless because of abuse, violence or threats you may be able
to access a place at a refuge. If you do not feel safe in this area you may be able to go to a refuge
in another part of the UK. If you are going to be homeless because you are fleeing an abusive or
violent situation we will be able to provide you with confidential advice and help to arrange a safe
place for you. Alternatively there are agencies such as Women’s Aid and the Men’s Advice Line that
will be able to offer you advice; you can find their details on Page 5.
T: 08082000247 (for advice on vacancies in your local area)
W: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
Other Hostel and housing options are available in the Bournemouth area, though an agency referral will be required. For more information about these hostels and to establish if you are eligible to be referred please call the Homeless Prevention Team on 01202 451467.
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Private Rented Accommodation
If you find a private let, we encourage you to seek budgeting and benefits advice before you sign
up for the tenancy. You can contact Bournemouth housing benefit department on 01202 451592
(www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Residents/CouncilTax/Benefits/Housing) or seek advice from the CAB
on 08444 111444.
Raising the Deposit and Rent in Advance can often be the biggest difficulty in renting privately.
Most private landlords require a deposit, usually equivalent to one month's rent before letting a
room or property. If you are able to raise a rent deposit and you have been claiming benefits, you
may be able to apply for a crisis loan for ‘rent in advance’. For more information, contact Job Centre Plus on 0800 032 7952
Housing Benefit is accepted by most of the agents shown on this list, but please check with the
agents individually when checking availability.
Please be aware that many of these Landlords and agents may ask for the following BEFORE you
move in: Administration fees, Rent in advance and Rent deposit and Guarantors.
Landlord
Contact
JSQ RESIDENTIAL
01202 558686 (148-150 Commercial Road, Bournemouth)
LOVETTS
01202 303044 (716 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth)
TERRA FIRMA
01202 300030 (477 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth)
DAVE WELLS PROPERTIES
01202 301244 (25a St Clements Road, Bournemouth )
SPECIALIST LETTING
01202 548400 (209 Redhill Drive Ensbury Park, Bournemouth)
SCOTT CASTLE
01202 397321 (743 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth)
CLARKES ESTATE AGENTS
01202 533377 (710 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Bournemouth)
CAMERON LETTINGS
01202 295678 (162 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth)
COLIN TRAVES PROPERTIES
07973 727615
ANGLOTOWN
01202 757424 (5 Seamoor Road Westbourne Bournemouth )
JDM EXECUTIVE HOMES
01202 314313 (77-79 West Hill Road, Bournemouth BH2 5PG)
CLIVE WINGFIELD
07733 328557
TERRAFIRMA
01202 300030 (477 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 4AD)
COUNTRYWIDE LETTINGS
01202 319274 (113 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1
1EP) With Guarantors only
WILSON PROPERTIES
07809649529
FAHREN ESTATE AGENTS
01202 551022 (170 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth)
ROBERTS LETTINGS
01202 565758 (156-158 Charminster Road, Charminster)
Useful Websites that may help you find accommodation;

www.property.bournemouthecho.co.uk/lettings

www.rightmove.co.uk

www.bournemouth.gumtree.com

www.easyroommate.com
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Food
If you are homeless and in need of food, you can access the following food runs;
Day
Times
Location
Monday
12:30pm—1pm
10 St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth
6:30pm
Salvation Army, St Peters Church
Yard, Bournemouth
Tuesday
8.30pm
Boscombe Crescent
Wednesday
12pm—2pm
Muriels, Lansdowne
6:30pm
SWEA, Cotlands Road Car Park
Thursday
12:30pm—1pm
10 St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth
Friday
12:30pm—1pm
10 St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth
6:30pm
Salvation Army, St Peters Church
Yard
Saturday
12:00—2pm
Muriels, Lansdowne
Sunday
12:30pm—1:00pm
10 St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth
Health
The following services are available for homeless people from the day centre at St Paul's Hostel, 10 St Paul's Lane, Bournemouth (01202 587160);
Service
Day
Time
Doctor
Monday—Friday
12:30pm
Mental Health Nurse
Tuesday
8:30am onwards
Needle Exchange
Monday & Wednesday
9:30—11:30
Blood Borne Virus Nurse
Thursday
10:30—12:30
Dentist
Monthly
Contact staff for dates
BCAT (Addictions Team)
Tuesday & Thursday
10:30am—12 noon
Open Access (help with alcohol and substance abuse)
Monday
12 noon—2pm
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Agencies, Help lines and Contact Details
Agency
Description
Contact
Citizens Advice Bureau
Providing free, impartial and confidential advice
on numerous issues including; housing, consumer
issues. employment, debt, family and relationships, legal and immigration.
08444 111444
The West Wing, The
Town Hall, Bourne
Avenue, Bournemouth
Care Direct
Advice and guidance regarding community care
services.
01202 454979
International Care Network
Providing help and support to refugees and asylum seekers within the UK, including assisting
refugees into accommodation. Drop in service
available between 12.30 and 4.30 on Tuesdays
and Thursdays.
200 Holdenhurst Rd
Bournemouth.
01202 589395
Dorset Police
Non emergencies only
01202 222222
Dorset Reclaim
Supplying low income families with furniture and 85 Stanley Road,
electrical goods.
Bournemouth. 01202
773384
Bournemouth Assessment The BAT team carry out assessments for people 01202 209463
Team
dependent on substances to assess the best
43 Oxford Road,
route of support/ treatment for each individual. Bournemouth
Drop in service available Monday to Friday between 2 and 4pm.
The Butterfly Foundation Domestic violence guidance, support and workshops.
01202 463016
The Bourne Spring
Centre, St Mary’s
Road, Bournemouth,
Shelter
Free and confidential housing advice for people
who are homeless or in housing need.
0800 915 8997
Enhanced Housing Options
Advice for people in Bournemouth regarding
education, employment and Training.
01202 451981/07833
237633
Street Services
Working to reduce rough sleeping by providing
outreach services, needs assessments, access to
emergency accommodation, re-connection, advice and treatment referrals.
01202 315962
43 Oxford Road,
Bournemouth
Alcoholics Anonymous
08457 697 555
Childline
0800 1111
Mankind
01823 334244
Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 027 1234
Drinkline
0800 9178 282
Drugs - Know the Score
0800 587 5879
Message Home
0800 700 740
Samaritans
08457 90 90 90
Victim Support Helpline
0845 603 9213
Womens Aid
0845 702 3468
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