Housing

If you're pregnant one of your main concerns may be finding somewhere to live - but finding what you need can be hard - so ask for help. Your Sure StartPlus or Teenage Pregnancy Adviseror your Connexions Personal Adviser will be able to tell you where to go for help - usually the local Council Housing Department.

The contact numbers for your local Sure Start Plus Advisers and Teenage Pregnancy Advisers are:

  • If you live in Hartlepool contact the SureStart Plus Adviser on 01429 239926
  • If you live in the Middlesbrough area contact the SureStart Plus Adviser on 01642 245539
  • If you live in the Redcar, Guisborough, East Cleveland, Eston, Grangetown, South Bank or Teesville area please phone the Teenage Pregnancy Adviser on 01642 479324
  • If you live in the Stockton, Billingham, Thornaby or Yarm area please phone the SureStart Plus Adviser on 01642 527238

Or, if you contact Shelter - they have a free 24 hour helpline 0808 800 444 - they will tell you where to find your local Housing Advice Centre or you can contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau.

You will need to seek further advice for details of housing but the basic options are listed below.

If you're under 16 you will be expected to stay with your family - if you are thrown out by the people you stay with the local Social Services department will help you find somewhere to live as you can't actually apply for housing until you reach the age of 16.

Once you are 16 the situation changes - you can ask for help from your local authority and you may be able to rent a house or flat from the local council or a Housing Association. If you're under 18 you may be offered supported housing rather than your own flat or house. This could be a hostel where you share a kitchen, bathroom and common room but have your own bed sit - or a self-contained flat with a shared common room and laundry. Some supported accommodation units have staff on-site to help. Units usually offer a home during your pregnancy and afterwards with your baby - and they will help you move into other housing when you are ready to move on.