Dylan’s Story
Dylan was referred to hyh for housing support after a long and difficult journey. As a child, Dylan fled their home country to escape violence that threatened their safety. They arrived in the UK alone and was taken into the care of the local authority. After 18 months in supported accommodation, Dylan showed great strength, resilience and independence. When they moved into their home, hyh’s Outreach team were there to offer tailored support. Every young person deserves a safe home, clear guidance and someone walking beside them when life feels uncertain.
Learning the Ropes
Living independently meant facing systems and responsibilities Dylan had never encountered before. Together, we explored each step with openness, acknowledging the worries that can come with managing a home for the first time.
We supported Dylan to register for council tax, apply for council tax reduction and explained why staying on top of payments matters. We see many young people fall into council tax debt simply because no one has explained the process, so we made sure Dylan understood both the expectations and the options available.
We then worked through the move from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit. This can feel overwhelming, especially when rent payments are suddenly sent directly to a young person to pay rather than their landlord. Dylan shared their anxieties about getting it wrong, and we reassured them that learning these skills takes time. Together, we went through their online Universal Credit account, identified which part of the payment covered rent and set up a direct debit so the charges would always be paid on time. This practical step helped protect Dylan from rent arrears and the fear of losing their home.
Building Confidence at Home
Next, we focused on utilities. With Dylan, we compared energy deals, applied any discounts they were entitled to and explained how to track usage and submit meter readings through an app. We created a clear budget plan so Dylan could see exactly what needed paying and when.
We also supported Dylan to register for their landlord’s and local council’s online services. With guidance and encouragement, they learned how to report repairs, check bin collections and review their rent and council tax accounts. Each small success built Dylan’s confidence and sense of control.
Moving Forward
With their housing secure and their skills growing, Dylan was able to continue studying and look for part-time work without the constant stress of managing everything alone.
With the support of hyh’s Outreach team, and confident that they knew where to access future support if needed, Dylan was ready to step into independent living.