When to leave home is a major decision which should not be taken lightly. Although leaving home will grant you more freedom, it also means you will have responsibilities that you have probably not had to deal with before.
The best way to leave home is after careful thought and planning. Leaving your parental home at a very young age, especially if you have nowhere to go, should be the very last option that you should consider. You could easily end up homeless.
You won't be entitled to a council home and you may have to find a deposit and rent in advance for a home in the private sector.
There is help and support available. Try to find someone you trust to talk to, such as friends, extended family such as an aunt or uncle, or a teacher at your school or college. If the situation becomes worse, see if there is a place you can go to for a night or two to let everyone cool down.
We may be able to provide mediation in your home with your family to talk about the problems.
Remember, no matter how bad things may seem, if you leave home without preparation, you may find yourself in an even worse situation. You may also find it difficult to continue with your education.
If you have absolutely no choice and feel that you have to leave home immediately, for example because someone is being violent or abusive towards you, you must seek help right away.
There are a number of agencies who can help you:
- Childline: 0800 1111 (free 24 hour support helpline for children and young people)
- Womens Aid: 0808 2000 247 (free 24 hour helpline for victims of domestic violence)
You can find more information on homelessness in our booklet for Homeless young people.
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Homeless young people booklet
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