Difficulties in your home or care setting
Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported where they live. But sometimes, home or care environments can become difficult due to arguments, tension, or broken relationships. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or unsure of what to do next, you’re not alone—and there is help available.
Different Issues You Can Have at Home or in Care
There are many reasons why someone might struggle in their home or care setting. These can include:
- Feeling unsafe due to emotional, physical, or other forms of abuse.
- Family breakdowns, such as parents separating or constant arguments.
- Being a young carer, which can feel isolating and overwhelming.
- Being kicked out or asked to leave, leaving you without a stable place to stay.
- Living in care and feeling unsupported or unheard.
- Living in a new place and feeling disconnected from friends, family or people you get support from.
These situations can be confusing and distressing, but support is available to help you navigate them.
When difficulties in your home or care setting are making you think about leaving
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Talk to someone you trust
Talk to someone you trust such as a teacher or support worker. Safecall also offers free, confidential support, and is available every day.
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Write down how you feel
Journaling or keeping a diary can help to figure out your emotions and clarify your thoughts.
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Set boundaries to protect your wellbeing
Time out or some breathing space are often good ways to take the pressure out of a situation. When it gets late there can be less places to go so if there is somewhere you go that helps you feel calmer or better about stuff try going there regularly, even when things aren’t so bad. This could be a youth or social club or friends you trust.
Sometimes it just feels like the walls are closing in around you, the natural feeling is to try and to get out.
If and when this happens, it needs to be somewhere safe, and if you can, always try and let someone know where you are. This can be hard to do – especially if you left quickly or in anger, but keeping yourself safe while you’re away is very important.
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Know your rights
There are options. Depending on your age and situation, there are services that can help you find somewhere safe to stay.
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- If you’re under 18, social services have a duty to help you. If you already have a social worker, try to contact them. If not, we can help you get in touch with one, and even organise a three-way call.
- If you’re over 18, there may still be housing support available—especially if you’re at risk of harm or have nowhere safe to go.
- Try to stay somewhere safe—like a friend’s or relative’s house, or a public place like a hospital or library—until you can get help.
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to listen and help you figure out your next steps.
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I had a history of leaving my place of care
I wasn’t sure about speaking to the police
I had no safety, no home, and no control
How Safecall can help you
Safecall is here to support you—confidentially and without judgment.
- We can listen to what you’re going through
- Whether you live with family or in care Safecall can give practical advise and even arrange a three way call with home, ensuring your voice is heard
- If you’re being abused, Safecall can help you find safety
If you’ve been kicked out, read our specialist advice. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.
Need to talk about difficulties in your home or care setting?
Call or text us for free on 116 000 – even if you don’t have credit.
Chat online – it’s confidential and you’re in control of what you share.
We’re here every day.