# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In most cases, you will be in priority need if you or one of the people included in your application falls into one of the following categories:

Pregnant women
The council should consider any pregnant woman (and those who live with them) to be in priority need. You will probably have to provide proof of the pregnancy from a doctor, midwife or other medical expert.

People responsible for dependent children
The council should consider you to be in priority need if you are responsible for dependent children who normally live with you (or would do if you had accommodation where you could all live together) and who are:

under 16, or

under 19 and in full time education or training.

If the children are only living with you for part of the time (for example every other week) it can be complicated. You should tell the council the normal arrangements for care of the children and be prepared to talk about financial arrangements between you and any other person caring for the children.

People made homeless by fire, flood or other disaster
The council has to accept that you are in priority need if you had to leave your home because of any disaster or emergency such as fire or flood.

Young people aged 16 or 17
All 16 and 17 year old's in Wales are automatically in priority need. Provided you are 16 or 17 on the date that you apply to the council for help you will remain in priority need even if you turn 18 by the time the council make their decision.

The housing department may want to check whether you could go back home to live with your parents or carers. They cannot force you to go back, especially if your parents or carers have been violent or abusive in the past. If you don't want the council to contact your parents or carers you can ask them not to.

The housing department will probably contact the social services department to make sure that all of your needs are met when deciding what help to give you. If this happens, the housing department should provide you with emergency accommodation in the meantime.

See the pages on advice for young people for more information and advice.

People aged 18 - 20 who are at particular risk
Young people aged 18-20 who are at risk of sexual or financial exploitation are in priority need.

This could apply if:

you are at risk of sexual abuse or prostitution;

you have learning difficulties;

you are being unreasonably controlled by someone, financially or otherwise;

your income is far less than your outgoings and you are vulnerable because you do not have any other money.

These are just examples and you may be in priority need under this category for other reasons. If you feel you are at risk then make sure you tell the council so that they can help you.

Provided you are 18 or over but under the age of 21 on the date that you apply to the council for help, you will remain in priority need under this category, even if you turn 21 by the time the council make their decision.

Victims of domestic abuse
You should be considered to be priority need if you have suffered domestic abuse or would be at risk of domestic abuse if you returned home.

Domestic abuse is when someone close to you (usually your spouse, partner, civil partner or other relative) behaves towards you in a way that causes physical, mental, or emotional damage. It need not necessarily be physical violence and includes sexual abuse and threatening or intimidating behaviour.

See the pages on Domestic Abuse and Homelessness for more information and advice.

Contact the free 24 hr Live Fear Free Helpline 0808 8010 800 if you need help now.

Armed Forces personnel
If you used to serve in the regular Armed Forces, and have been homeless since leaving those forces, you are in priority need. Being homeless means not having suitable permanent accommodation and it should not matter how long ago you were discharged, so long as you have been homeless since that time.

If you have been in settled accommodation since discharge, but have now become homeless, you will not have an automatic priority need. The council should however still consider whether you are vulnerable due to some special reason (see below), which could include your history in the armed forces.

The Welsh Government has produced a National Housing Pathway for Ex-Service Personnel which contains housing advice and support for you and your family if you were in the Armed Forces.

Vulnerable as a result of time in prison
If you have spent time in custody or detention and the council consider you to be vulnerable as a result of that time in prison, then you will be in priority need provided you have a local connection with the area.

The time in prison may have been spent on remand or after serving a sentence, and could have been at any time in your life.

When deciding if you are vulnerable as a result of the time you have spent in prison the council should consider:

the length of time you were in prison;

any trauma or difficulties you suffered whilst in prison;

how long ago you were released from prison;

whether you have managed to find and keep accommodation since leaving prison;

whether you have had any support, supervision or care since leaving prison.

To be in priority need, the council must be satisfied that, as a direct result of your time in prison, you are less able to fend for yourself if you were to become street homeless than an ordinary person who may become homeless.

People aged 18-20 who have spent time in care
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 20, who has been in care at any time while they were a child, is in priority need. You do not need to have just left care and provided you have spent at least one night in care during your childhood you will be in priority need.

Being in care includes being looked after by social services, by a voluntary organisation, in a private children's home, accommodated by the NHS or being privately fostered.

Provided you are 18 or over but under the age of 21 on the date that you apply to the council for help, you will remain in priority need under this category, even if you turn 21 by the time the council make their decision.

Even if you are over 21 when you apply to the council you may still be in priority need if the council think you are vulnerable as a result of some special reason (see below), particularly if you have been in care and do not have anywhere else to go for support.

If you are a care leaver, social services also have a duty to help you until you reach the age of 21, or, if you are in continuing further education, until you are 24.

If you are entitled to help from both housing and social services departments, they should work together to provide whatever help you need. For example, social services can ask the housing department to house you. They are not allowed just to tell you that they can't help you and send you to the other department. If this happens, get advice immediately.

Vulnerable as a result of some special reason
The council should decide that you are in priority need if you are vulnerable as a result of some special reason. In deciding whether you are vulnerable, the council should look at all the facts of your case and consider whether your personal circumstances and needs would make it more difficult for you to cope if you were street homeless than any other person who might become homeless.

It may decide that you are vulnerable because:

you are an older person

you have a physical or learning disability or mental health problems

or there is some other special reason why you are vulnerable.

Another special reason might be:

you are a young person and vulnerable because you don't have support from family or friends, have slept on the streets in the past or have problems with drugs or alcohol

you have been the victim of violence or abuse and would be at risk of further violence or abuse if you returned home

you are at risk of harassment or abuse on account of your gender, race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation

you have been sleeping rough.

Just because you may fall into one of these categories does not automatically mean that the council will consider you to be priority need. For example, you may have an illness but the council may not consider you to be vulnerable if it can be controlled by medication, or, you maybe over 60 but not considered to be vulnerable if you are in good health. The council should consider each case on its own facts and is not allowed to have policies assuming that a particular type of person is, or is not, vulnerable.

Make sure you tell the council about any personal circumstances that make it difficult for you to deal with your housing situation. If you can, take with you to the council any medical information or letters from people who give you care or support. The council may ask you to sign a form allowing the council to contact medical professionals or other people involved in your care. In some cases the council may get an opinion from another medical professional to help them make a decision.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In most cases, you will be in priority need if you or one of the people included in your application falls into one of the following categories: Pregnant women The council should consider any pregnant woman (and those who live with them) to be in priority need.

# data[].attributes.body
Parts focused on homelessness and MH

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Mental health problems among young homeless people have been described as "worryingly high" after a study into the issue by Cardiff University.

The research, which worked in partnership with Llamau, a charity working with young homeless people in South Wales, found that youngsters living on the street are a particularly vulnerable in terms of mental health conditions.

They also found many showed symptoms of more than one psychiatric disorder.

During the study, interviews were held with 121 young people aged 16-24 years currently defined as homeless and living in temporary accommodation.

A full psychiatric assessment was undertaken along with a detailed interview which involved collecting information about history of homelessness, family background, and education.

Of these, 93% of the sample met criteria for a lifetime psychiatric disorder. The most common diagnosis was depression (43%) followed by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (35.5%) and psychosis (21.5%).

Meanwhile, 80% of the sample met criteria for two or more mental health conditions.

The rates are striking in comparison to those for housed youths with 2.2% being diagnosed with depression, 4.7% with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and 0.2% with psychosis.

The findings of the research, conducted by Kate Hodgson, Dr Katherine Shelton and Dr Marianne Van den Bree from the University, will be presented at the Developmental Section Conference of the British Psychological Society at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Kate Hodgson said: "Young people with recent experiences of homelessness appear to be particularly vulnerable to psychiatric disorder and the numbers of young people with more than one disorder are worryingly high.

"Identifying these differences among young people with experiences of homelessness should help a more targeted delivery of support services and shorten periods of stay in temporary accommodation."

The study builds on previous research into the links between mental health problems and homelessness.

It is estimated that up to 70% of people accessing homelessness services have a mental health problem while homelessness charity St Mungo's estimate that 64% of their clients have drug and or alcohol problems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental health problems for young homeless at "worryingly high" levels

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mental health problems among young homeless people have been described as "worryingly high" after a study into the issue by Cardiff University. The research, which worked in partnership with Llamau, a charity working with young homeless people in South Wales, found that youngsters living on the street are a particularly vulnerable in terms of mental health conditions.

# data[].attributes.body
Buisness Template

# data[].attributes.headline
Mental health problems in young people with experiencesof homelessness and the relationship with health serviceuse: a follow-up study

# data[].attributes.subject
Mental health problems in young people with experiencesof homelessness and the relationship with health serviceuse: a follow-up study

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental health and homelessness young people (1)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
National mental health charity: information, services & a strong voice for everyone affected by mental illness - challenging attitudes and changing lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our crisis intervention work is both preventative and responsive to potential and actual periods of housing, personal and social crises. We provide a range of services, working closely with partner organisations in order to meet the needs of individuals and communities in a number of local authority areas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sometimes people struggle with homelessness - perhaps you are one of them or you are trying to help someone who is homeless. We have tried to gather some information below that may help you.

This has been written with people who need help in Cardiff in mind but may apply to those who live in other areas of the UK.

Local organisation working with homeless:

Cardiff county council help for homeless

The Cardiff County Council has a support service for those who are homeless or who are in danger of becoming homeless. The link above provides you will advice on this situation.

What do you do if you are homeless now?

If you are homeless, sleeping rough, relying on friends for a bed for the night or likely to become homeless in the near future Cardiff County Council (CCC) will work with you to help you find somewhere to live.

Please contact CCC as soon as possible by phoning or visiting:

The Housing Options Service
Housing Options Centre
Huggard Buildings
Hansen Street
Cardiff
Opening hours:
Monday 9am - 4.30pm

Tuesday 9am - 4.30pm

Wednesday 1.30pm - 4.30pm

Thursday 11am - 4.30pm

Friday 9am - 4pm

Tel: 029 2057 0750

Out of hours: 029 2087 3141

CCC will need to talk to you about your situation to find out how you became homeless or why you are likely to lose your home. Wherever possible CCC will try to prevent you from losing your current home if you have one. We will also give you information about the housing options available to you.

CCC may need you to provide some information so that we can assess your situation. This will include proof of your identity and details of your income. Please provide the original documents we ask you for as quickly as possible.

Intentionality

Please remember that in considering your case, the Council will also assess whether you have in any way contributed to your circumstances - this is called 'intentionality'. Each case is considered carefully to decide whether the loss of accommodation was deliberate or through no fault of your own. 'Intentionality' will be considered for all households except 16/17 year olds who cannot be held responsible for the loss of any previous accommodation.

The Council is permitted to do this under the 'Homelessness (Intentionality) (Specified Categories) (Wales) Regulations 2015'.

The HANR Outreach service

CCC provide advice, support and assistance to rough sleepers and other vulnerable people in Cardiff. The team aims to do this through effective outreach, appropriate referrals and support.

The team works in partnership with a variety of statutory / non-statutory, charitable and voluntary sector agencies providing frontline services covering issues such as emergency accommodation, Health and substance misuse.

CCC welcome all contact, If you are sleeping rough or know of someone who is, please contact us giving details of location, numbers, date and time.

A homelessness charity and have been working with homeless and vulnerable people for over 30 years. We work to find lasting solutions to homelessness and prevent its occurrence by working with those who are in danger of becoming homeless.

Single homeless people aged 16 and over. Specifically cater for ex-offenders and people with alcohol, drug and mental health issues. Can accept people with care poackages and couples.

Services include Emergency Bed unit, day centre and winter night centre.

Huggard exists to provide support and help to people who are not only homeless but also find it hard to maintain independent accommodation if it were provided. Our objective is to provide help and support, providing care for those who need it and empowering individuals to head towards sustainable and independent living.

Ty Gobaith are dedicated to helping homeless people turn their lives around and regain their feelings of self-worth. Our resettlement centre in the heart of the city centre in Cardiff has provision to support 66 homeless men and women over the age of 18 on-site.

Salvation army - northlands

It will provide much needed support to young people aged between 16 and 25 who are homeless; to help them achieve successful and sustainable resettlement into appropriate accommodation.

Other organisations you who may be able to provide support

Advice and information for homeless people and anyone with housing problems. Subjects covered include rent or mortgage arrears and repossessions, rent increases, disrepair, illegal eviction and harassment, benefits for housing costs.

We specialise in engaging with high need young people who have a history of non-engagement with statutory bodies.

The majority of the young people and vulnerable women with whom we work are homeless. Many have been involved with the criminal justice system. They may be in or leaving care, may be young parents, or are victims of domestic abuse. Many are facing serious deficits in their education, affecting their employment prospects. Often, they are facing a combination of these issues.

Recognising that individuals have a range of needs - all of which need to be met - means we aim to address all the issues a person has, rather than provide one service in isolation. It means our work demands great and constant flexibility. Each service user is treated as an individual, and relevant services are tailored to meet his or her needs.

Often people think of the YMCA as a provider of youth work and leisure activities. However, this YMCA - Cardiff YMCA Housing Association - is a YMCA with a difference! Here in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, we have four city centre housing projects offering flexible support services. These include a range of temporary accommodation options for vulnerable men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are in housing need.

We work with the homeless, disadvantaged and asylum seekers. Providing food and drink on the streets of Cardiff every night at 8pm. Around 40-60 people appear every night. With lunchtime fellowship meals in the ARK drop in centre on Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri ( 5 days) between 12:00 to 1: 00 pm. Providing over 250 food parcels every month to those in real need and free food parcels to asylum seekers on every Thursday. Between 50-70 people get this support each week.

We hold a Bible study programme on every Thursday which all are invited to come to. We arrange free training courses for those in need. We give free advice on benefits, debt, housing and employment issues. We organise a free Craft Workshop for women every Tuesday between 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Their vision is to run a 24 hour centre for those who are in need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sometimes people struggle with homelessness - perhaps you are one of them or you are trying to help someone who is homeless. We have tried to gather some information below that may help you. This has been written with people who need help in Cardiff in mind but may apply to those who live in other areas of the UK.

# data[].attributes.body
https://thewallich.com/about-us/?gclid=CMWi8v-8t9ECFVXnGwodB6MMCw

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nina Hemming looks at the link between homelessness and mental health and what can be done in terms of policy and practice to address this inequality.