The Plight of a Homeless Young Man

duchy

I didn't suggest you did nothing.
Take him down to Shelter on Monday (after he's been to the job centre) and over the weekend talk to him about why his brother is reacting that way and suggest he tries writing a letter or ringing him and apologising. After all not all brothers would have taken in a younger brother in the first place-so he can't be all bad.
This lad is 18-has he worked since he left school-and how long ago was that ? Of it's two years then I'd be asking him why.
You could also speak to the brother and maybe get a bit more insight into the whole situation and perhaps be a bit of a go-between at getting them communicating again

tesuhoha

I will do all that. I dont know the lad well but will have a chat with him if he comes here. Also, will try to see the brother. We are waiting to hear from him about how today at the council went.

duchy

I'm sorry if I came over as harsh. I honestly admire you for your concern for this lad and I hope things work out. I hope you'll keep us updated too.

tesuhoha

Ive just heard that he had his interview and that they told him its possible he might get something. They said they will contact him in a couple of days. I will update you on their decision.

tesuhoha

That term unpaid servant was unfortunate but that was the term the friends used and I have just repeated it. I too think its right that he does the cleaning and should get a job. Although I feel terribly sorry for him I only want to help him to help himself as I cant take responsibility for him.

duchy

Honestly I think helping him to help himself would probably be the absolute best thing you can do for him.
I'm sure the phrase "unpaid servent" was used by the friends-because all they are seeing is that their mate has been thrown out into the cold-and can't see that the brother isn't supplying the flat as some kind of glorified youth club but that it's HIS home that HE pays for and they've probably ALL contributed to the current situation. by out staying their welcome and leaving mess behind.

tesuhoha

Think youre spot on there.

margaretclare

Someone at work says that if I let him sleep on our floor the council will consider that he has a roof over his head and they won't help him.

Not necessarily true - best to check and make sure!

My eldest GD eventually got a flat after sleeping on the sofa in her uncle's one-bedroom council flat, this went on for some months and she was treated as an unpaid carer for uncle. Sleeping on floors, sofas etc does NOT count as being housed. The homeless are not all to be found sleeping in shop doorways. See what Shelter say about this.

HTH

Margaret

tesuhoha

Thanks. If he doesnt get this bedsit I will definitely be making some enquiries, or rather I will encourage him to make enquiries.

Savvy_Sue

Couple of other suggestions: if you have a Foyer in your area, they are for young adults (up to 25, I believe) and will support him in finding work / appropriate training.

If he's only just 18, then he should still have a Connexions worker who should also be able to advise him about work, health, housing etc etc etc. Their usefulness varies, and if he's nearly 19 they probably won't be interested.

Finally, if this lad was ever in care, then the local authority would definitely have more responsibility for ensuring he is not homeless than if he'd never been in care. If his parents have been off the scene for some time, then he might have had a social worker in the past so they might be worth contacting.

However, if you have a local Shelter office they would certainly help him know his rights, and know what's available - sometimes there are youth housing schemes which would also be useful, possibly.