Service User quote: Malcom:
"I didn’t expect the help that I got. I thought the council would send me away. Everything was managed so fast and quick.
“Moving into temporary accommodation offered me a more stable environment, however after not living in accommodation for a long extended period of time I found it pretty daunting. The first thing I did was to close the door of my bedroom and cry. I saw the shower, bed and TV. I had a shower and fell asleep.
“At first it was overwhelming as I was not used to sharing as I hadn’t been around people for a while. I can’t hear the sea from my room but I can still hear it in my sleep. It is drilled into your sleep.
“However, having been living in shared accommodation now for several weeks, I’m enjoying the company and I like being able to cook for my housemates and to entertain them with singing - minus guitar.
“It’s nice to have a conversation with someone instead of a bird or a fox.
“I’ve not had proper accommodation in years, but I want to keep it. You have to draw the line and say that’s enough.
“My hope for the future is to find a self-contained flat or bedsit and a job. I want to build on new friendships and carry on being a people person. I’m also putting music first again."
Rachel:
“I wake up glad to be alive, excited to go to work and thankful for what has been done for me by BCHA. My son and I are now in a council property. I am off all my medication and I am paying my bills – giving back what I have received. But there are thousands of people out there who are stuck, unable to thrive and contribute because they cannot access affordable housing. The government needs to act fast.”
