Leaving home or care

Leaving home can be an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful and difficult. Being well prepared can help you avoid living in unsuitable accommodation or becoming homeless.

Getting ready to leave

Leaving home is a big step. The key to avoiding problems further down the line is preparation. More

Budgeting

Before you leave home, it's important to work out a budget to make sure you'll be able to afford all the new things you'll have to pay for. More

Leaving care

When you leave care you are entitled to ongoing help from social services. They may be able to provide financial support, help to find a place of your own, or provide accommodation for you. You can also get help from the Housing Executive if you become homeless. More

Running away

No matter why you want to leave, getting help while you're still at home is usually a better option than running away. More

Dealing with the Housing Executive

If you have nowhere to live, you can make a homeless application to the Housing Executive. Being homeless doesn't only mean sleeping on the street. Being homeless means you have nowhere that you can reasonably call your home.  Even though you're staying with friends or family or living in a hostel or B&B you may be legally homeless. More

Short term housing options

If you need to move out in a hurry, or you want to leave the family home but aren't yet ready for the responsibility of a place of your own, there are several short term and stepping stone housing options available. More

Longer term housing options

There are many different kinds of accommodation available for young people, and it's important that you find the right kind for you. The accommodation you choose will probably vary according to your age and financial situation. More