How to get out of an overcrowded home

Chantelle and Keona have eight people in their family, with just two bedrooms for everyone to sleep in.

They've been waiting for a new house for 11 years.

They met Alan Laing, the man who looks after housing for the area they live in. He said they are trying very hard to get more homes for families to move into.

If you live in an overcrowded house, here are some things you can do:

• Get your mum and dad to phone the Shelter advice line on 0808 800 4444 to see if they can help

• Check your parents have applied to the Local Authority for a bigger home. You could try to help by writing to the council, or your local newspaper or MP to explain why you need a bigger home

• Keep your bedroom tidy so you can find things - make a tidy box that you can put things in

• Explain to your teacher and parents that you find it hard to find a quiet place at home to do your homework, and see if you could stay late at school, or use a local library. Other children might have similar problems, so you could ask for a 'homework club' to be set up

• Think about things you could do with your friends outside of home - ask your mum and dad if you can meet them at the park in the summer, or maybe go swimming in the winter

• Make a rota with your brothers and sisters about who gets to go first in the shower in the morning.

• Maybe you could also agree on an hour each in the week when you can have some private time in your bedroom

• Remember if you are frustrated your brothers and sisters are probably frustrated too - take a deep breath and count to 10, try not to get angry