Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question for us, but we aren't open to take your call, read below to see if we can answer:
I'm rough sleeping, what should I do?
If you are rough sleeping, contact Leicester City Council Housing Options on 0116 454 1008 to complete a homelessness declaration. You can also use Streetlink.org.uk to report your location so that Outreach teams can locate you during their city searches. We help you do this at The Bridge.
I'm a refugee and have been asked to leave my SERCO accommodation. What should I do?
You should:
-
Open a bank account for Universal Credit payments and rent. You can use your ID to open an account at most high street banks.
-
Claim Universal Credit for financial support if you have no or low income. We can help you complete an application at The Bridge.
-
Look for a job with support from the Job Centre or Leicester Employment Hub.
-
Start searching for housing, which may include shared accommodation. Housing in Leicester can be difficult to find, and you may need to consider temporary solutions like staying with friends or family.
What housing support is available for prison leavers?
Some ex-prisoners may qualify as being in ‘priority need’ if they are vulnerable after time in prison. You can call Housing Options to discuss this 0116 454 1008. If required, you may be placed in Approved Premises upon release, arranged by your probation officer. While probation officers can provide advice and referrals to housing providers, they do not have a legal duty to find housing for you. You can call probation on 0116 502 9140.
What should I do if I'm leaving hospital and have nowhere to live?
Inform the hospital staff as soon as possible. The hospital discharge team may refer you to Leicester City Council's Housing Options Team, where you can make a homelessness application. Temporary accommodation may be available while your application is being processed. If your home needs adaptations, the hospital can refer you to the council for assistance with these changes.
I'm leaving the armed services and may become homeless. What help is available?
As a former member of the armed forces, you may be eligible for extra support. The council will assess your situation under general rules for priority need, such as if you have children or are pregnant. Additional support is available under the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures fair treatment and access to services for veterans.
Is there help with private rental if I can't afford a deposit?
Yes, Leicester City Council’s Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme helps single individuals and childless couples facing homelessness. The council guarantees the deposit to landlords, so you don’t have to pay it upfront. The rent must be affordable and within your Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance limit. Once you find a place, the Housing Options Service will contact the landlord on your behalf. Call Housing Options to discuss this on 0116 454 1008.
I need to see a doctor but don’t have one. What should I do?
If you're rough sleeping, come into The Bridge, and we can refer you to Inclusion Healthcare, or potentially make a referral to the Homeless Mental Health Team if needed. If you're not rough sleeping, we can provide advice on how to register with a doctor in your area.
What else do you offer at The Bridge?
At The Bridge, we provide caseworkers to help with various issues, a Mental Health Access Worker to connect you with mental health services, and computers that can be booked for an hour. We also offer free breakfast, tea, coffee, and a daily lunch. For rough sleepers, we have showers and washing facilities. There are also numerous activities and programs for you to get involved in.