56-year-old Martin was referred to Revival after he was struggling with his mental health, which was impacting his ability to manage his home, and threatening to end his tenancy.
He was referred to Revival’s Housing Support Service which helps people living in Stoke-on-Trent whose mental health impacts their ability to manage a home and prevent evictions.
Part of the team Housing Support Worker Joanne visited Martin at home to see how she could help.
“When I arrived at his home, I could see that Martin wasn’t coping”, explained Joanne.
“We talked and he explained that he had mental health support needs, dyslexia, and agoraphobia which was making everyday tasks like managing his home and tenancy difficult.
“He disclosed that he’d previously been a victim of financial abuse. He was also incredibly vulnerable to being financially exploited as he relied on his neighbours and friends to go out and complete his shopping. It meant that it was becoming incredibly more difficult to ensure food and essentials were in.
“Alongside all of this, Martin was in dispute with his landlord who wanted him out of the property.”
Joanne got to work quickly to resolve the dispute and support Martin to live independently to prevent him from becoming homeless.
“I referred him to another service who were able to provide a food parcel to ensure he had food and essentials, until a more permanent solution could be put in place”, added Joanne.
“We talked at length about his dispute with his landlord, and he explained that the issue was around overpaying for utilities as there was a shared meter at his scheme.
“He allowed me to draft an email to the landlord asking for clarification around his tenancy and utility costs.
“I also contacted Martin’s GP and asked for someone to visit him at home, so his medical conditions and mental health could be assessed.
“I also referred Martin to Step On as he wanted to get back into employment but wanted supported to control his agoraphobia.”
As a result of the support provided, Joanne achieved some incredible outcomes for Martin which are now helping him to better manage his tenancy and has prevented an unnecessary eviction.
“Thanks to my support I was able to keep Martin in his home”, said Joanne.
“I worked with his landlord and was able to significantly reduce his utility costs and resolve the dispute.
“Martin now receives deliveries from a local shop, so is no longer reliant on his neighbours, and more importantly no longer at risk of further financial abuse.
“His referral for employment support is going well too. Martin has been assigned a case worker and coach who are supporting him to deal with his agoraphobia and look into the possibilities of employment.
“After my intervention with Martin’s landlord, he was also happy to stay in his current home because of the reduced costs and wanted to focus on his mental health.
“Overall, Martin is feeling more positive about the future and feels empowered to make choices about his own life.”
