Homes and property Help and advice services

Help if you are leaving hospital

If you are in hospital and are worried that you may be homeless when you leave, you should talk to the hospital ward staff as soon as possible. Manchester hospitals will work with us to find suitable accommodation that will be ready for you when you leave.

You may need somewhere to live because you were homeless before you went to hospital, or your home has become unsuitable. This may be because your medical needs have changed, or for some other reason.

Hospitals have a duty to refer you to a local authority if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within the next 56 days. The hospital should make the referral as soon as possible, so we can begin to work with you, and those involved in your treatment and care.

Where will you look for accommodation?

You can ask to be referred to any council for help, but it’s best to apply somewhere you have a local connection, for example somewhere you have previously lived, have a permanent job, or have immediate family (usually a parent, brother or sister). 

If you do not have a local connection with the Council you apply to, they may choose to refer you to another area where you do have a connection.

What can you expect?

Our advisors can help you look for a home that will meet your medical needs. We can advise you about sheltered or supported housing and how to access the private rented sector.

We may be able to help prevent you from becoming homeless if you are having problems with your current housing situation. This could be for reasons that are not related to your medical needs - for example, problems with your landlord or because you are experiencing domestic abuse.

If you are in a mental health facility

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust provides a specialist housing advice service for people being treated as in-patients.

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