A young tenant (S) with a long history of traumatic life events, experienced another when her husband left her 18 months ago, causing a spiralling of events leading to a dramatic deterioration in her personal wellbeing and ability to effectively manage her tenancy.
Substance addiction, frequent visitors, noise, dogs mess and multiple Police call outs also affected fellow tenants, most of whom have young children.
The nature of S’s lifestyle and addiction resulted in other support services pulling out due to “non engagement”, leaving MHA to be the sole source of support, for the tenant, and others affected by her complex needs.
She had no electricity, gas, and very little food, no benefits in place, her medical needs were going untreated, she also said that her family had “disowned” her, meaning no positive influence or friendships to support her.
So how did we support S…
- We provided intensive support, both practical and emotional support and through sheer determination all round, things started to improve.
- Neighbourhood officers, community safety team and tenancy coaches worked closely to start helping piece things together with S. We knew that the probability was that S would become homeless without the support.
- Some visits would require empathetic support and positive reaffirmation which helped build the relationship and trust, helping S visualise a more positive life for herself.
- We supported S to get utility supplies back on, meaning S was again able to bathe, cook food and be warm.
- Benefit claims were made, repairs carried out, target hardening put in place and an engagement programme put in place with Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS), meaning a reduction in anti-social behaviour, ensuring S was safer and her neighbours less impacted.
Today
S has her own tenancy in a different home, free from traumatic memories, and away from people who took advantage.
S is still doing well on the GDAS programme, is relishing turning her house into a home, and is particularly excited at the prospect of a visit from her parents whom she hasn’t seen in years.