The Support Booklet - South Essex Homes

Support Booklet
South Essex Homes – Keeping you informed

02 //

Contents
PG4 INTRODUCTION
// 03
SECTION 1: Homelessness
PG 6 SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
SECTION 2: Support agencies
PG 23
HARASSMENT
PG 24
DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
PG 26 MENTAL
HEALTH
PG 29 DRUGS
AND ALCOHOL
PG 30 FAMILIES
PG 32
SUPPORT
SERVICES

04 // CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION // 05
This booklet is to help you know
where to contact relevant support
agencies within the area, and
enable you to overcome any
difficulties you may be
experiencing.
Life can be tough. Often seeking support
can be viewed as a sign of weakness or
failing, but this is simply not the case.
Everyone needs support and guidance at
sometime or another during their life.
If you are a South Essex Homes resident
and would like to speak to someone about
the problems you are experiencing please
contact our Outreach Team on 01702
344399, and we might be able to help.
You are living in an area where there are
numerous other support groups / networks
available to help you, however tough the
problems may be which you are
experiencing. Our goal is to help you find the
appropriate support which can enable you
to cope, and overcome any challenges you
may be facing.
South Essex Homes Tenants
Toolkit
South Essex Homes, in partnership with Southend Adult Community College,
have introduced a “tenants toolkit” sustainment course. The course offers you
the chance to take positive action and learn the skills which are essential for
managing your tenancy. Residents are invited to four sessions per week, which
are held at the College in Ambleside Drive, Southend on Sea.
The course is divided into 4 topics and takes place over 4 weeks, where you will
learn a range of different topics. You also have the chance to gain numeracy or
literacy qualification as part of the course. For more information please contact
01702 344399.

06 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS // 07
It is important to think about:
• Why do I want to leave where I am currently living? Could the difficulties
be overcome without me needing to move out?
• Is there someone I can talk to, in order to help resolve my situation?
• Is there a friend or relative I can stay with on a temporary basis?
• Will leaving affect my current relationship with my friends and family?
• Will leaving affect my education or current job?
Section 1
Surviving Homelessness
This section provides you with guidance about how you can survive
homelessness and the support services that are available to assist you. The
information provided is intended to help you make the right decisions about
your future housing situation.
Things to consider before you leave:
Leaving home can be a scary and vulnerable step to take and there are many
things to consider before you make this step. Sometimes the housing situation
you are in may prove difficult to solve and you are left with little alternative but
to leave home.
If you find yourself to be homeless you may be putting yourself into a difficult
situation.
• Can I afford to live and eat and do I have the money to make this move?
• Do I know where I will be going and who I will stay with?
The following agencies will be able to offer you support and guidance:
• Citizens Advice Bureau on 01702 610 610
• a solicitor or
• the Southend Borough Council’s Housing Options Officers on 01702 215 501
Housing Options available:
If you find yourself facing homelessness or believe that you will be homeless in
the coming month, please visit the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend on
Sea and ask to speak to a Housing Options Officer. Facilities are available for
you to speak to them in private. Everyone is entitled to housing advice and
guidance under the Housing Act 1996 and if you are deemed to be in priority
need you may be offered temporary accommodation or be given assistance to
secure a private rented property. You may also be referred to a floating support
agency to assist you further.

08 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS // 09
Health Services For Homeless Persons
GENERAL PRACTITIONER SERVICES (DOCTORS)
There are several GP surgeries you can go to in the area, if you do not already
have a GP. Many GPs are willing to keep you on whilst you are homeless, even
though you may have been placed in temporary accommodation some distance
away from the surgery, as long as you can travel back to them. If you need to
see a GP often, it may be easier for you to register locally.
If you are having difficulty registering, you can contact:
> PALS (Patient Advice Liaison Service)
Phone : 01702 224 642
> GPs
Or, for details of GPs who are open to new patients, or to be allocated a GP,
contact South Essex Primary Care Support Team
Phone: 01268 464 500
Alternatively, you can go along and register with The Globe Surgery.
> THE GLOBE SURGERY
Phone: 01702 349516
31 Preston Road, Westcliff-on-Sea
Open Monday to Friday, the Globe Surgery is different from other surgeries in
that it provides health care to homeless people in our area. The practice is
nurse-led, which means that the Nurse Practitioner is qualified to assess and
treat many illnesses. A doctor is also available throughout the week and
there is out-of-hours cover.
You can register and be seen by the nurse or doctor without an appointment
during the surgery drop-in clinics. To check the drop-in times, see the Globe
Surgery poster or information sheets which are available in the hostel, or ask
the Specialist Health Visitor for the Homeless.
> THE VICTORIA SURGERY
The Victoria Surgery has been set up to provide a service for patients in the
Southend area who have substance misuse problems. The GP here specialises
in substance misuse but also provides the usual range of GP services.
Unit 6a Warrior House, 42-82 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea (At street
level, next door to the Kingsley-Ward Centre).
Phone: 01702 615 953
Attendance is by appointment only but please do not hesitate to contact the
surgery for advice on how to access this service, or ask the Specialist Health
Visitor for the Homeless for details of when the surgery is open.
Dental Services For Homeless Persons
For information on local NHS dentists, call either of the following:
> PALS (Patient Advice Liaison Service)
Phone: 01702 224 642
> SOUTH ESSEX PRIMARY CARE SUPPORT TEAM
Phone: 01268 464 500
If you need a dentist in an emergency, call:
> PALS Monday - Friday 8.00am-5.00pm
Phone: 01702 224 642
> OR NHS DIRECT OUT OF OFFICE HOURS
Phone: 0845 46 47
You will be given details of the dentist on the emergency rota.

10 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS // 11
> THE SPECIALIST HEALTH VISITOR FOR THE HOMELESS
A health visitor is a qualified nurse who has had extra training to become a
health visitor. His/Her role is to help people, especially families with young
children, to avoid illness and keep healthy.
The Specialist Health Visitor for the Homeless works exclusively with
homeless people, particularly those in hostels and hotels, and understands
the problems they encounter.
Anyone who is homeless and living in temporary accommodation can find
their circumstances extremely stressful. You may be feeling depressed or
isolated, worrying about the uncertainty of your situation and how you will
manage. You may need to find out about local health services and not know
how to go about this.
It may help to talk things over with the Specialist Health Visitor for the
Homeless who visits each of the hostels regularly. She can listen to you,
discuss your needs, advise you on health matters and local services, and
put you in touch with other people who may help you.
What about my children?
Being homeless and living in temporary accommodation can cause practical
difficulties and emotional tension, especially if you have children. They too may
be showing signs of stress, with difficult behaviour or bedwetting.
You may be concerned about the children’s schooling being interrupted, or need
to know about holiday play schemes, playgroups or things to do or to find out
where you can go with young children simply to get out of the room. There are
services available to assist you and the Health Visitor can help you sort out who
to contact.
You may need any of the normal health visiting services for families with young
children under the age of 5, such as postnatal support with a young baby,
developmental reviews, referrals to other health services, guidance and support
with behaviour problems, or support for postnatal depression.
All parents of children under 5 are entitled to a named health visitor, who can offer
guidance and support in children’s development and welfare. Whilst you are in
homeless accommodation, the Specialist Health Visitor for the Homeless is your
allocated health visitor. She will see you at the hostel – you do not have to go to her.
> CONTACTING THE SPECIALIST HEALTH VISITOR FOR THE HOMELESS
Anyone, with or without children, can ask to see the Health Visitor.
Phone: 01702 578800.
If you have children under 5 years old, or you are pregnant, once the Health
Visitor knows about you she will try to make contact with you.
MOVING INTO TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION
Moving into permanent or temporary accommodation can be an important
and expensive step to take, which requires planning. Without making
proper arrangements you may find yourself homeless again.
The following things are important to consider:
• Will I be able to furnish the property?
• Will I be in a good location to visit my friends and family?
• Will I be able to pay for electricity, water and gas?
• Will I have enough money for my home and to live on? e.g. food, clothing,
toiletries, TV licence, phone bill, travel (car and insurance), money for
going out etc.
• Will I be able to get to work?

12 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS // 13
POSITIVES
• Secure accommodation
• Low rent
• Repairs and maintenance
carried out for you
Types of Accommodation Available
If you are ready to move from where you are currently living and have thought
about how you will be able to support yourself, the following options may be
available:
SOUTH ESSEX HOMES TENANCY
South Essex Homes is the Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO)
that manages the Council properties in Southend on Sea.
If you are a new resident and have never been a resident of a council or
housing association, you will start off with an introductory tenancy.
• There will be a probationary (introductory) period of 12 months.
• There are fewer legal rights, for instance, you do not have the right to buy,
or mutually exchange and if you carry out home improvements, we will not
compensate you.
• You can be evicted more quickly and easily than a secure tenant.
The probationary period enables you to demonstrate that you are
responsible enough to become a secure tenant. As long as South Essex
Homes has not taken any legal action against you, you will automatically
become a secure tenant on the anniversary of the signing of your
introductory tenancy.
NEGATIVES
• Limited choice over where you
will live
• Can be a long waiting list
• Can be restrictions if you wish to
move
RENTING PRIVATELY
There are numerous estate agents in the Southend area that will list places
available to rent. You can also look at the local newspapers and shop
windows. It is important to think about the following things before entering
into a contract with a landlord:
• Will the property have any furniture?
• Do I have to pay a deposit and any rent in advance? If so, do I have the
money and will I be able to reclaim it if I decide not to move in?
• How much will the rent, Council Tax and water rates be? Do I have enough
money to pay for them? How and when will they be calculated and need to
be paid?
• If I am receiving benefit will the landlord accept this?
• Do I need to provide references?
• Do I know what services the landlord will provide if repairs are needed to
the property?
• Has the electricity and gas been checked by a professional?
POSITIVES
• Choice over where you live and
type of accommodation
• Not tied into the property long
term
NEGATIVES
• Rent may be high
• No long term security
• May have difficulty securing
repairs

14 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS // 15
HOUSING ASSOCIATION TENANCIES
Housing Associations are independent companies that offer affordable
housing. There are a number of housing associations within the Southend
and Essex area.
Many Housing Associations do not have open lists and accept nominations
from the Council for their empty properties. Where this is the case, you will
have to be registered on the Council waiting list to access these properties.
Abbeyfield Southend Society
1st Floor
54 London Road
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS1 1NX
(01702) 213350
Acorn Housing Association
Anchor Trust
Ashley Homes
Blackwater Association
162 York Road
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS1 2DZ
1st Floor
408 Strand
London
WC2R 0NE
51 Stanier Close
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS1 2NF
Blackwater House
High Street
Braintree
Essex
CM7 1JZ
(01702) 619089
(02077) 599100
(01702) 611271
(01376) 323322

16 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS // 17
Brentwood Branch (C.W.L)
Housing Association Ltd
594 Rayleigh Road
Eastwood
Leigh-on-Sea
Essex
SS9 5HU
(01702) 510523
Haig Homes
Alban Dobson House
Green Lane
Morden
Surrey
SM4 5NS
(02086) 855777
Carr-Gomm Society Ltd
East Thames Housing Ltd
English Churches Housing
Group (Riverside Properties)
Estuary Housing Association
Ltd
Granta Housing Ltd
Southern Area Office
2 Roman Road
Faversham
Kent
ME13 8PZ
3 Tramway Avenue
London
E15 4PN
2 Estuary Boulevard
Estuary Commerce Park
Liverpool
L24 8RF
10 Coopers Way
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS2 5TE
Lammas Fields
Pavillion
Newham Road
Cambridge
CB3 9HX
(01795) 590500
(02085) 222000
0845 155 9002 or
0151 295 6518
(01702) 462246
(01223) 577051
John Groom Housing Association
Kush Housing Association Ltd
London & Quadrant Housing
Trust
Moat Housing Group
Salvation Army Housing
Associations
50 Scrutton Street
London
EC2A 4XQ
4 The Pavillions
Port Way
Preston
PR2 2YB
Osborn House
Osborn Terrace
London
SE3 9DR
Mariner House
Galleon Boulevard
Crossways
Dartford
Kent
DA2 6QE
Barker Surgeons Hall
1 Monkwell Square
London
EC2Y SBL
(02074) 522000
(01772) 897200
(02088) 529181
(08453) 596300
(02073) 324800

18 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS // 19
Sanctuary Hereward
Shaftesbury Housing
Association
Beacon House
53-65 Whitehouse Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 5PB
Shaftesbury House
87 East Street
Epsom
Surrey
KT17 1DT
0845 8505757
(01372) 727252
Tower Homes Ltd
Wherry Housing Association
Ltd
SUPPORTED HOUSING
70 Court Road
London
SE9 5NP
6 Central Avenue
St Andrews Business Park
Norwich
NR7 0HR
(02088) 509686
(01603) 703500
Springboard Housing
Association Ltd
Stonham Housing
Swan Housing Association
The Guinness Trust Group
Springboard House
2A Claughton Road
London
E13 9PN
235-241 Union Street
London
SE1 0LR
Pilgrim House
High Street
Billericay
Essex
CM12 9XY
12A Toucan Close
Shoeburyness
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS3 8DY
(02084) 750033
(02074) 012020
(01277) 844700
(01702) 291944
POSITIVES
• Repairs and maintenance
carried out
• Support provided by the
Association
NEGATIVES
• May take a long time to acquire a
property
If you have special needs or mental health difficulties or require support you
may be offered supported housing. This is when you are supported by staff
to help you live in a home. This may include help with daily chores like
cooking and cleaning, as well as managing your money.
Usually you will be referred to live in this type of accommodation, although for
more information please contact your Housing Options Officer at the Council.

20 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS
HOUSE / FLAT SHARE
A house or flat share is usually where a group of people share
accommodation and the cost of rent and bills. They are usually advertised in
local newspapers and in shop windows.
Notes
SOUTHEND BOROUGH COUNCIL // 21
POSITIVES
• Reduces the cost of rent or cost
of living
• You will usually be living with
people of similar age to you
NEGATIVES
• Living with people you do not
know, with different attitudes and
values may prove difficult
SHARED OWNERSHIP
Shared ownership allows you to part rent and part buy a property that you
may not normally be able to afford. This is usually provided by a Housing
Association. Some associations provide special schemes to support key
workers. Key workers can include police, teachers, health service workers
and others.
For more information about shared ownership programmes in the local area
please contact
> MOAT HOUSING ASSOCIATION
website: http://www.moat.co.uk
Email: customer@moat.co.uk info@moat.co.uk
> SHAFTESBURY HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Phone: 01702 611 271
Provides good quality temporary housing for single homeless people.
Stanier House, Stainer Close, Southend on Sea SS1 2NF

22 //
Section 2
Support agencies
HARASSMENT // 23
What to do if you are a victim of harassment
If you feel you or any member of your family is being intimidated, dominated or
harassed there is support available to you.
Harassment occurs when you are deliberately being harassed by others and
can be racially motivated or on the grounds of sexuality or religion. It can occur
within your own home.
All types of harassment including racial harassment are criminal offences.
Any form of harassment is completely unacceptable and it is important that you
get support. Please contact the police on 01702 431212 for more information.
Alternatively if you feel you are being racially harassed you can contact the Essex
Racial Equality Council who provide support to people who are facing racial
harassment and discrimination. They can be contacted on 01702 333351 or
01268 465068. Please refer to the support section for their full contact details.

24 // DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE // 25
SUPPORT SERVICES
> MANKIND
Support agency for men experiencing domestic abuse and domestic
violence.
Phone: 0870 794 4124
Website: www.mankind.org.uk
> DOVE PROJECT
Phone: 01702 302 333
(24 Hour Helpline: 01702 300 006)
A counselling service for women and children who have experienced
domestic violence or abuse. Also provides a drop-in centre with advice
surgeries and a legal surgery.
Open Mon - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm
What to do if you are a victim of Domestic Violence
Domestic abuse is a serious crime and a form of antisocial behaviour and it can
be physical, psychological, sexual, financial or emotional.
If you are experiencing abuse of any nature and you feel that you can no longer
remain in your home there is support and confidential advice available to you.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse or have witnessed domestic abuse please
call the police on 01702 431212. In an emergency dial 999.
Free independent advice can also be obtained from: a solicitor, National
Domestic Violence Helpline, Local Women’s Aid, The Dove Project, CAB, Victim
Support. Please refer to the useful contact Section for full contact details for
these organisations and more.
It is not just women who experience domestic violence – men can also be victims.
> ESSEX COUNSELLING SERVICES
Phone: 01702 434 316
371 Westborough Road, Westcliff on Sea
24 Hour Answer-phone.
Specialises in helping victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. There
is a nominal charge.
> DOMESTIC ABUSE NATIONAL HELPLINE
Phone: 0808 2000 247
> SAFE HAVEN EAST HELPLINE
Phone: 01702 300 006
4 West Road, Westcliff SS0 9DA
Managed by Women’s Aid. 24hr helpline offering information and advice for
women suffering domestic violence.
> POLICE DOMESTIC ABUSE LIAISON OFFICER
Phone: 01702 423 151

26 // MENTAL HEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH // 27
What to do if you are experiencing mental health problems
> SOUTHEND DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH
Phone: 01702 601123
112a Southchurch Road
Southend on Sea
Essex SS1 2LX
Mental Health
If you are registered with a GP (doctor) and suffer from mental health problems
you may be entitled to assistance from the following agencies:
> COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Phone: 01702 440 400
The Taylor Centre, 2nd floor Queensway House, Essex Street, Southend on Sea
Providing advice, guidance, treatment and support to people with severe,
crisis or longer-term mental health problems. Referral is usually by a health
professional but you can self-refer. Alternatively you can contact the out of
hours GP service or attend the Accident and Emergency Department of
Southend Hospital.
COUNSELLING SERVICES
> ATRIUM
Phone: 01702 342 256
31 Clarence Street, Southend on Sea
Provides a range of counselling approaches. Referral is by GP, although
private sessions can be arranged.
> CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE
Phone: 01702 710 683
Local branch of a national service providing private and confidential
counselling to bereaved people. Also has friendship and social groups.

28 // MENTAL HEALTH
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL // 29
> OPEN DOOR SERVICE
Phone: 01268 793 025 (Benfleet)
Phone: 01268 780 810 (Rayleigh)
A counselling service dealing with individual and family problems, based at the
Council offices in Rayleigh at the top of the High Street and at Benfleet
Methodist Church, High Road, South Benfleet. The amount you might have to
pay depends on your circumstances.
> RELATE
Phone: 01702 342 901
29 Harcourt Avenue, Southend on Sea
Counselling for couples or individuals experiencing relationship difficulties,
whether in peer relationships, family relationships, or adult sexual
relationships (for which there is a charge).
Also offers Parent / Teenager mediation.
Counselling for young people under 21yrs (or 24 yrs if they have
learning/mental health difficulties) is currently a free service.
> SOUTHEND CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING SERVICE
Phone: 01702 335 252
6 Clarence Road, Southend on Sea
A counselling service for anyone living in Southend. No need to share the
same faith.
> SAMARITANS
A confidential listening and support service.
24 Hour Helpline phone: 08457 90 90 90
Those with hearing difficulties phone: 08457 90 91 92
Post: Chris, PO Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org
What to do if you are experiencing drug and/or alcohol problems
> COMMUNITY ALCOHOL COUNSELLING SERVICE
Phone: 01702 577 017
A free service providing a range of support for individuals and their families
experiencing alcohol-related problems.
> COMMUNITY DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICE
Phone: 01702 440 550
The Taylor Centre, 2nd floor Queensway House, Essex Street, Southend on Sea
Providing information, advice and assessment for adults with problematic
drug and/or alcohol problems. Referral can be via GP or you can self refer.

30 // FAMILIES
FAMILIES // 31
Families
If you have children who are living with you and you are struggling to cope,
Social Care may be able to assist you by providing practical advice and
support. You are entitled by law to ask for an assessment of need by a Social
Worker. You can contact them at the following address:
> FIRST CONTACT TEAM
Queensway House, Southend on Sea, Essex
Phone: 01702 534490
> THE CAMBRIDGE ROAD CHILDREN’S CENTRE
40-42 Cambridge Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1ES.
Phone: 01702 220 810
The Cambridge Road Children’s Centre is open to all families with young
children living in the local area. The services are co-ordinated by the local
Sure Start team and include a variety of activities for young children, as
well as regular antenatal, postnatal and breastfeeding support groups.
The aim is to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of
babies and young children so that they can flourish at home and when
they start school.
All families who are living in homeless accommodation are welcome to go
along to the Children’s Centre and use the facilities there. If you would like
more information, call in at the Centre or speak with the Specialist Health
Visitor for the Homeless.

32 // A-Z SUPPORT SERVICES
A-Z SUPPORT SERVICES // 33
> KINGSLEY WARD CENTRE
Phone: 01702 577 110
For emergency contraception, family planning & sexual health services.
42-82 Southchurch Road, Southend on Sea
> TAYLOR CENTRE
Phone: 01702 440 400
For mental health services & Community Drug & Alcohol Services (CDAS).
2nd floor, Queensway House, Essex Street, Southend on Sea
> WARRIOR HOUSE HEALTH CENTRE
Phone: 01702 577 000
For child health clinics and antenatal clinic.
42-82 Southchurch Road, Southend on Sea
Other Support Services in
the area
Please note: This list is provided for information purposes only and is by no means an
endorsement by South Essex Homes for the services or practices of any organisations listed.
LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES
> NHS Direct
Phone:0845 46 47
National medical advice line
> SOUTHEND HOSPITAL
Phone: 01702 435555
For main hospital services and A&E Department
Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea
> WESTCLIFF CLINIC
Phone: 01702 577 370
For child health clinics.
415 Westborough Road, Westcliff on Sea
> EPILEPSY NATIONAL HELPLINE
Phone: 01132 108800 or South-East branch: Freephone: 0808 800 5050
> GLOBE SURGERY
Phone: 01702 349 516
Provides GP services for people in a homeless situation.
31 Preston Road, Westcliff on Sea
> THE VICTORIA SURGERY
Enquiries: Phone: 01702 615 953
Provides GP services to those with substance misuse problems.
Warrior House, 42-82 Southchurch Road, Southend on Sea (At street level,
next door to the Kingsley-Ward Centre).

34 // A-Z SUPPORT SERVICES
A-Z SUPPORT SERVICES // 35
> CHILDLINE
Freephone 0800 1111
24 hour helpline for all young people who wish to talk to someone, or need
advice and support.
Website: www.childline.org.uk
> COMMISSION FOR RACIAL EQUALITY
Phone: 020 7939 0000
(CRE) National agency providing information and advice on all issues of
racial discrimination.
Website www.cre.gov.uk e-mail info@cre.gov.uk
> DISABILITY INFORMATION SERVICES (LOCAL)
Phone: 0800 731 6372
Known as “DIAL”.
Advice Lines / Support
> AGE CONCERN
National helpline phone: 0800 288 9488
> AGE CONCERN
Local helpline phone: 01702 215 780
> ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Phone:0845 769 7555
> CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Phone:01702 610610
1 Church Road, Southend on Sea SS1 2AL
Website www.southendcab.org.uk
> DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROBLEMS
Phone: 01702 440 550
Community Drug and Alcohol Service (CDAS)
> ESSEX RACIAL EQUALITY COUNCIL
(Local) Phone: 01268 465 068 or 01702 333 351
> GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
Phone: 08700 508 880
> LESBIAN AND GAY MEN SUPPORT
Lesbian and Gay switchboard, confidential information and support service.
Phone: 020 7837 7324 (open 24 hours)
Website: www.llgs.org.uk or admin@llgs.org.uk

36 // A-Z SUPPORT SERVICES
A-Z SUPPORT SERVICES // 37
> MISSING PERSONS HELPLINE
Freephone: 0808 800 7070 - 24 hour helpline
If you run away from home and are under 18, you can call free and
confidentially for information and help.
Freephone: 0800 700 740 - 24 hour helpline
If you are over 18 and would like to send a message home or you need
confidential advice or help, you can call this service. They can let someone
know you are ok without telling them where you are, and help you get to a
place of safety.
> NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE
Freephone: 0800 567 123
> NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Phone: 0207 730 009
> NSPCC CHILD PROTECTION
Freephone: 0808 800 5000
> TRANSLIVING INTERNATIONAL
Phone: 01268 583 761
A voluntary self-help network dedicated to serving the needs of crossdressers,
transvestitites, transsexuals, their families, partners and friends.
PO Box 3, Basildon SS13 3WA
Website: www.transliving.co.uk
Email: stacey@transliving.co.uk
> PARENTLINE PLUS
Phone: 0808 800 2222
> RAPE CRISIS
Phone: 01375 380 609
Help for women and girls who have experienced sexual assault, abuse or
rape. Confidential helpline and counselling service.
> WOMEN’S AID
Phone: 0808 2000 247
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
> WOMEN’S REFUGE
Phone: 020 8472 0528
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
> JEWISH WOMEN’S AID
Phone: 01702 300 006
Website: www.somethingjewish.co.uk
> REFUGE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ASIAN WOMEN
Phone: 0800 591 203
Website: www.nawp.org
> VICTIM SUPPORT
Phone: 0845 45 65 995
> YMCA
Phone: 01702 301 301
85 Ambleside Drive, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2FY
> THE PENSION SERVICE
Phone: 0845 60 60 265
Website: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

38 // YOUTH
Ray Stephenson resident of South Essex Homes completes
the Tenancy Sustainment Course
Young Persons Services
> WHAT’S THE SCORE?
Phone: 01702 608 704
Drug and alcohol support services for young people.
185 London Road, Southend on Sea
> CONNEXIONS
Focus Youth House
Phone: 01702 469 501
Personal advisers for 13-19 year olds, regarding
training/education/interviews. Drop in for advice 1.00 - 5.00pm
Short Street, Southend on Sea (Nr Southend Victoria train station)
> PRINCE’S TRUST
Provides training courses for young people with the aim of building
confidence & self esteem.
Contact YMCA for more info: 01702 301301
Other useful contacts
> TAXI SERVICES - AC TAXIS
Phone: 01702 334455
> GAS, ELECTRICITY AND WATER COMPANIES
British Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999
Transco: 0870 6081524 Contact Transco to find out who supplies the gas at
the property you are moving to (they will need the address and postcode)
Energy Efficiency Line: 0845 965 0650
Powergen: 0800 052 0346
Anglian Water Company/ Sewerage/ Emergency: 0845 714 5145
Essex and Suffolk Water – General: 0845 782 0111
> SOUTHEND ON SEA BOROUGH COUNCIL
Phone: 01702 215 000
Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6ER
Website: www.southend.gov.uk
> SOUTH ESSEX HOMES
Freephone: 0800 833 160 or 0800 833 161
49 Alexandra Street, Southend on Sea, SS1 1BW
Website: www.southessexhomes.co.uk
> SOUTHEND COUNTY COURT
Phone: 01702 601991
USEFUL CONTACTS // 39
> SOUTHEND CREDIT UNION
Phone: 01702 611912
The Credit Union is a saving and loan organisation, set-up, owned and run by
its members who share a common bond.

40 // EMERGENCY CONTACTS
CONTENTS // 41
Emergency contacts
> EMERGENCY SERVICES
(Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard): 999
> ESSEX POLICE
Southend phone: 01702 431212
Shoeburyness phone: 01702 293748
Leigh on Sea phone: 01702 431212
> FIRE SERVICE
Essex Fire Brigade phone: 01702 614433
> LOCAL HOSPITALS
Southend General Hospital
Phone: 01702 435555
Basildon General Hospital
Phone: 01268 533911
Runwell Hospital
Phone: 01268 366000

42 // NOTES NOTES // 43
Notes
Southend Borough Council

44 // NOTES

NOTES // 45

Contact us 0800 833 160 / 161
South Essex Homes – Keeping you informed
www.southessexhomes.co.uk