Meet Christina, who, after facing difficult times, found a fresh start and stability in her new home with support from ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s.
“Going back a bit, I worked in the NHS for eight years. Things were going well in my busy job, but a couple of years ago I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. It spiraled out of control – I lost my job and went through a relationship breakdown. After that I lived with my mum, which didn’t work out. I moved in with my grandma, but her home was overcrowded because other relatives were there too.
Finding happiness again
At that point, my local authority referred me to ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s accommodation. I was emotional when I first arrived but felt so welcome when I walked through those doors. It took some getting used to after all the change I’d been through, but I felt safe and had my own space. Throughout my time with ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s, it wasn’t just a roof over my head. The team found out my interests – things I’d lost the spark for when I was depressed. I was encouraged to revive my passions and completed courses in business, content creation for social media and graphic design. All things which help to control my emotions when I feel down.
Building my future
After 11 months, it was time to think of my next steps. ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s enrolled me onto a ‘Move On’ training course which taught me skills on managing my own home. Then the team helped me find a suitable property. Together, we went through my tenancy agreement and I was supported with the paperwork to get my bills sorted.
A place to call mine
It was a strange feeling when I moved, but so exciting. I had my own home! My grandma lives round the corner, which I love. And I’m enjoying making my flat feel like mine. ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s is still there if I need help, and my support worker checks in regularly to see how I’m doing. I feel content now and have the confidence to do something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m creating my own clothing line called ‘Capricious’, which I plan on launching later this year.â€
“ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s has been a big part of my life and came at a time when I needed peace. I’ve been helped to sort my life out and have a break from everything that was going on. I finally feel so happy and having my own place to call home makes such a difference.â€