Are you a friend of someone who is homeless or, may become homeless in the near future or, is currently staying with you or someone you know?

It can be very difficult for you when you know someone that you care about is in a very difficult situation. Often it is difficult to help them unless they see the need for help themselves. However, there are some things you can do:

• Encourage your friend to seek professional help from one or more of the organizations listed in our emergency numbers directory (be prepared to accompany them to an initial meeting)
• Ask your friend to present him/herself as homeless to the local authority as soon as possible
• Be supportive of them but do not put yourself at risk in any way
• If you are unsure about what to do you can always speak to someone from our emergency directory. They will be only too pleased to offer advice
• If you think your friend would benefit from receiving one of our support packs of tinned foodstuffs please contact us
• You can contact us at KEY. We may be able to put you in touch with the right people

Sometimes homelessness can be prevented if we can encourage the young person and their parent (s) to speak to each other. South Tyneside Churches’ KEY project has a Mediation worker who may be able to help.