48-year-old Jeff was referred to Revival’s Housing Support Service as he was on the verge of being evicted from his home in Stoke-on-Trent.
Revival’s service supports local people whose mental health needs impact their ability to manage a tenancy, and ultimately put customers at risk of becoming homeless.
Customer Jeff had a complex life with experience of being in the care system and in prison, issues with his mental health, and substance addiction.
Housing Support Worker Joanne visited Jeff at home to see how she could help him to live independently at home again.
“Jeff shared that he’d been living independently until he lost his job”, said Joanne.
“He felt too scared to tell his landlord, in case of eviction and as a result had got himself into arrears. He was visiting food banks and was living in incredibly cold conditions, unable to afford to put the heating on.
“Alongside this, Jeff was living in a home with repair issues, but felt he couldn’t raise these again in fear he’d be evicted.”
Joanne got to work to support Jeff and prevent him from becoming homeless.
“I instantly looked into Jeff’s housing options”, shared Joanne.
“After our discussion, it became clear that he was expecting to become homeless, so I helped him to complete an application for Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s housing register, along with providing the details of other housing providers.
“To help improve Jeff’s financial situation, I reviewed his eligibility for benefits and discovered he’d completed a PIP assessment previously but hadn’t heard back, so I chased it for him. Alongside this I also put an application for a utility grant to ensure he could stay warm and well at home.
“While talking to Jeff, I could see that he had a passion for supporting young people and preventing them from going down the wrong path. I could see that with his unique life experience that he would have a lot to offer as a support worker.
“I could see that he was lonely, so I asked if he’d be interested in getting back into work, doing something he was passionate about, that would also get him out and about and engaging with people again. He liked the idea, so I made a referral to an employability support provider.”
As a result of Joanne’s support, Jeff is in a better place financially and has found his spark again.
“Jeff’s PIP application was successful which meant he’s in a much better place financially”, said Joanne.
“As a result, Jeff was able to remain living in his home, as he could now afford the rent and has found the confidence to speak to his Housing Officer to agree a repayment plan for his arrears.
“Finding something Jeff was interested in sparked a new passion in his life. He’s now eager to get back into learning and possibly work, to use his life experience for good.
“Overall, his physical and mental health have both been improved and it’s been great to see the journey Jeff has been on and the progress he’s made.
“As a result of the service, he’s no longer at risk of homelessness and has well and truly found his spark again.”
