Other useful information and resources

This section provides additional information and signposts to support services that may be helpful while applying for housing or waiting to be rehoused.

If you are unsure about your housing options or need advice about your situation, you can contact Housing Options Service Trafford for guidance. The service can provide advice on housing options, homelessness prevention, and support available to help you remain safely housed where possible. Call: 0161 912 2230 Email: HOST@trafford.gov.uk
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, confidential support is available through Trafford Domestic Abuse Services. TDAS can offer specialist advice, safety planning, and ongoing support whether or not you are ready to leave your current accommodation. You do not need to be in immediate danger to access support. If you are in immediate danger, you should contact the police by calling 999.
Citizens Advice can provide free, independent advice on housing, benefits, debt, and other issues that may affect your housing situation. They can help explain your rights, support you to understand decisions, and provide general advice about managing your circumstances while waiting for housing. Shelter provides free, independent housing advice and information. They can offer guidance on housing rights, homelessness, eviction, private renting, social housing, and challenging housing decisions. Shelter’s advice is available online, by phone, and through local services.
StepChange provides specialist debt advice, budgeting support, and help to set up repayment plans. National Debtline offers free, independent debt advice by phone and online, including advice on rent arrears and priority debts. Citizens Advice can also provide guidance on debt, benefits, and money management. Getting debt advice will not affect your housing application, but managing housing-related debt may be important for eligibility under the Housing Allocations Policy.
If you need help accessing online services, local libraries and community hubs may offer free internet access and basic digital support. This may include help setting up an email address or learning how to use online forms.
If you have a possession or eviction hearing, you may be able to access free, on the day legal advice through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) at court. These services are independent of the Council and are provided by specialist housing advisers or solicitors. At Stockport Magistrates’ and County Court, the HLPAS court duty desk service is provided by WTB Solicitors LLP, offering housing advice and legal support to people attending court for possession proceedings. At Manchester County Court and Family Hearing Centre, the HLPAS court duty desk service is provided by Shelter, who can offer housing advice and support to people facing possession or eviction. If you have received court papers, you should seek advice as soon as possible and attend your hearing, even if you have not been able to get advice in advance.