Housing Help

Unfortunately, even in today's society, people are still forced to exist without a home or in unsuitable accommodation which can have severe, adverse affects on a person's health and well-being. If you are worried about any of the below issues call us - we can help:

  • nowhere to stay?
  • problems with your landlord?
  • issues with overcrowding?
  • mortgage payments?
  • trouble with neighbours?
  • problems with your tenancy deposit?
  • eviction?

What we will do

On phoning us, you will be greeted by one of our trained advisers who will need to ask a few questions about your financial situation. It is important to stress that all information will be confidential and will not be given to any party outside the bureau without your permission.

During the call you might decide that no further help is needed, and that's fine. If you want us to continue to help we will ask for your name and address and then post out our information pack.

It is important to remember that we will not do anything without your agreement and we will always keep you informed of our actions.

These are some of the things we will typically do for you:

  • Take some details about your current situation
  • Establish your housing status
  • Speak to your landlord or Local Authority, as required on issues including: homelessness, arrears, repairs etc.
  • Represent you at hearings or put forward written submissions on your behalf.

All of our advisors are experienced and qualified legal caseworkers and the work we do is assured by the Community Legal Advice Specialist Quality Mark. We are also audited on a regular basis by the Legal Services Commission.

Often people need only a small amount of help to resolve their problems but we aim to ensure that, if follow-up or ongoing work is required, that clients are directed towards the most appropriate help.

Court Duty Housing Schemes

Providing advice and support to individuals during difficult periods in their lives is at the heart of what DAWN Advice is about. For many people, attending court or trying to access advice can make a stressful situation seem worse.

We provide a lot of last minute advice and representation to clients who are at risk of losing their homes as part of our Legal Services Commission contract. Many people feel that by the time matters have got as far as court there is very little that can be done, but this is not the case. The Duty schemes are proving to be an essential and valuable tool in achieving positive outcomes for clients and enabling them to overcome their problems.

Through the scheme we provide representation in partnership with other suppliers, including solicitors and Law Centres at eight courts across the North East region. We act as lead agent on five of these schemes, managing the process and monitoring the quality of the work being delivered.