Identity documents unlock a bank account, a job, benefits and a home. Losing them, or never having had them, can feel like a wall. Here is a practical way through it, one step at a time.
Start with what you can get most easily
A birth certificate is often the easiest first document to obtain, and you can order a copy from the General Register Office. Once you have that, other documents become easier to get.
Build up from there
With a birth certificate and proof of where you stay, you can work toward a bank account, a National Insurance number reminder and, over time, photo identity such as a provisional driving licence or a passport.
Use support services
Many councils, day centres and supported housing schemes run identity support, and some have small funds to help with the cost of documents. Ask what is available locally, because paying for several documents at once is hard on a low income.
Keep them safe
Once you have your documents, keep them somewhere secure. If you are moving around, ask your support worker whether the service can store copies safely for you.
You are not starting from zero
Every document you get makes the next one easier. Take it one step at a time, and lean on the services whose job is to help.