Get help

There are a lot of unhelpful and harmful stereotypes when it comes to homelessness. Here at at NHYC we mean by homeless anyone who doesn’t have a fixed address or doesn’t feel safe where they are staying. This could be sleeping on a friend’s couch, not being sure where you’re staying tonight, or staying with a person or partner you don’t feel safe with. You could have fallen out with your parents, family or friends and don’t feel comfortable or welcome returning home. You could be new to London, coming from somewhere in the UK or abroad. You could be a refugee or asylum seeker. You could be a student or working. You might have been kicked out by your landlord or unable to access rental properties in London. All of these are examples of homelessness. There’s no shame in it, it’s not your fault. You deserve a safe home and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you get one

We will continue to work with anyone who is already getting support from us until they reach the age of 25. If you are already known to us and want an update, then please call 020 7388 5560 or email [email protected]. Someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that as the centre is only open on 10:30-16:00 weekdays, we may not always be able to answer your call. We are regularly checking the voicemail but if you need something urgent, we would advise emailing first.

A member of our team will review your referral and get in touch with you as soon as possible. They will most likely give you a call and invite you to come into the day centre so we can get your support package started. The team will talk you through everything and answer any questions you have. They can also let you know exactly how we can support you in your individual situation. We try to respond to all referrals within 3-5 working days, so if you are in an emergency situation and can’t wait, please come to the day centre in person or use the emergency services listed above. If you can and have it, please bring a form of ID with you when you first come to the day centre; a passport or driving license is best.

After your assessment you will be offered all the services we can to get you what you want. You may be offered a mix of in-person and remote services. You will be consistently working with a few people you can get to know and trust.

We are very busy and our team does their best to get to the people most at risk the quickest, so try not to worry if you don’t hear from us immediately. We try to respond to all referrals within 3-5 working days. If you are unsafe and need help right now, please come to the day centre or use one of the emergency services listed above

We will ask you some questions about yourself, your situation and what you’re looking for. We do this for legal and safety reasons, but mostly so we can get you exactly what you need. If you’re not sure why we have asked you for something, the team member you’re working with can answer. If you have a form of ID, a national insurance number, or proof of your income, please bring them with you. But don’t worry if you can’t: we can help you without these and can support you to get them if you need.

If you are a professional organisation and wish to refer on behalf of young person you’re working with, you should find everything you need on this page.

Our day centre is open every weekday. We run our advice, health, life skills and housing services from the day centre, as well as offering workshops, basics like food and clothing and activities like football, supper clubs and trips out. Basically, our centre is the main point where you can get our support, as well as a lot of fun and helpful extras.  But don’t worry if you can’t come to the centre: you may also be offered online services or contact via phone.

Any young person who has completed their initial assessment can come to our activities. You can speak to any member of the team if you’re not sure or have questions.

We can accommodate all learning and access needs. Our day centre is fully wheelchair accessible, and we can provide quiet spaces and adjustments for any other kind of disability or neurodiversity. Our staff will make sure we understand your boundaries and expectations and do our best to deliver those in all areas. We offer language support (see below), food for any dietary or allergy requirement and our day centre has adaptive technology for most learning and communication styles. If we aren’t familiar with what you’re asking for, we will look into it and adapt to best support you.

We can help you via translation and interpreter services. As this takes a little time to set up,  please tell us as soon as possible so we can organise this.

Many of the young people who come to us don’t feel safe in certain areas of London or around certain people. We are aware of this and will check when you do your initial assessment if there is anything we need to avoid. Tuesdays at the day centre are appointment only for this reason. Whatever you need to feel safe, we will do our best to deliver. You can find out more about our safety and outreach offer here.

We are not a government organisation, which means our help is completely on your terms. We are not the council, police or any other formal organisation and we don’t talk to them without your permission unless we have to for safety reasons. We won’t approach your family or community unless you ask us to. We will help you as much as you want but you remain in control; we won’t force you into anything and you can stop working with us whenever you want. Our team are experienced and trustworthy and we hope you’ll see that in how we treat you.