Sean was facing several challenges to being able to maintain his own home. He had been evicted before and had a history of anti-social behaviour but like everyone, Sean needed a safe place to stay.
He was drinking daily and used substances when the opportunity was there. He wouldn’t engage with any of the support offered to him, not New Hope’s Tenancy Sustainment Team’s support workers, mental health services nor drug and alcohol support. Our team was tenacious however, and regularly visited Sean, building a trusting relationship with him.
“We knew it would be hard, his situation was volatile and it was a forwards and backwards process for him and for us.” – John, TST Complex Needs Support Worker
As Sean slowly began to accept New Hope was there to help him, he increasingly worked with us to make changes that would help him move forward. Together we worked through his claim for Universal Credit and in making a connection at CGL, a local support service for people struggling with addiction. With our help, Sean significantly reduced his drinking from daily to weekly and as he became more stable in his flat, options for longer-term housing became available to him.
Sean was offered a property to move into but he was really apprehensive so we regularly got in touch, ensuring him it was the best thing for him and that it would all work out. A fortnight later, Sean moved into a flat with a local social housing provider. With our help, Sean has arranged his housing benefit and utilities, and he was helped to get hold of white goods. This will be his home for good if he chooses to stay.
