Finding stability and a place to call home

 

Living in temporary accommodation since August 2023 and bidding for council properties but not getting anywhere, our client was only working part time and not being good with his finances, he was finding it tough to survive. 

 

He wondered whether he would be better off working full time and wanted to move out as soon as possible so he could be independent. 

 

The client had suffered from a traumatic past, as he was accused of crimes he did not do and was wrongfully jailed. He also had to move to Russia with his family and then due to issues there, he came to the UK without his family. Without the digital and financial skills, and confidence he received from Reaching People’s support, he would not have been able to move forward. 

 

 

The client describes how his advisor provided him with endless support: “My advisor helped me to see that there were also other options for alternative housing outside of the council bidding system, which I did not know about. They helped me to register and apply for properties with Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-Operative Association and with Platform Housing. 

 

“I was offered a flat at De Montfort House and they helped me with everything from taking me to the property with my belongings, applying for grants and registering for all my bills. 

 

“I got the essential items and they also were successful in obtaining £500 for flooring which helped a lot. They also helped me with completing a better off calculator so I understood how much I would be better off financially from working full time. 

 

“They gave me a blanket, a cold weather pack and some energy saving light bulbs which has helped me save money through my gas and electric bills.” 

 

 

The client continues: “The biggest outcome was that I was able to move into my own property and feel confident that I was going to be able to manage this. I am now independent and getting on with my life. My advisor got me a grant also for a television, which has really helped with making my flat a home.” 

 

The client was also given a sim card which he explained helped him to save money and that the data was helpful, as he did not have access to the internet in his flat. 

 

 

The client was grateful to the advisory service as he says: “I would not have been able to move on from temporary accommodation. Also, I have never had my own tenancy, so the support was invaluable. 

 

Overall he says: “I received support and advice when I did not think anyone cared. My English is also very bad and my advisor spent a lot of time translating everything, every step of the way, so I understood everything that was going on. I appreciate all of the time and energy that was put into me, that helped me with my future. It was a very trustful and caring experience and I will never forget it.”