North Star welcomes residents of Darlington Housing Association - Find out more
Starts at Home Week is a yearly celebration of the crucial work our care workers provide. It acts as a reminder that a decent home is the first essential in turning people’s lives around and that those who support our vulnerable people in accessing it should receive the recognition they deserve. The following case study is an example of just that and we hope that it shines a light on the brave stories of the most vulnerable in our society.
The tenant was initially referred to Foxrush House and diagnosed with ADHD and depression in 2021. In December 2021, while waiting to be assessed for autism, she began struggling with her mental health. With support, she made an appointment with the GP who prescribed her 50mg of sertraline – her GP is monitoring this.
She was referred to us in September 2022, after her relationship with her mum had broken down. She was asked to leave the family home and started sofa surfing between the homes of her friends and relatives.
When initially referred to us, the tenant was struggling to engage well due to forgetting appointments that had been arranged, as a result of her poor timekeeping.
We have been working on strategies to help her manage time and complete tasks more efficiently and effectively. These include planning, creating routines and avoiding multitasking to prevent her from feeling overwhelmed.
Other areas of support include budgeting, exploring other benefits and recently applying for PIP and tenancy support.
We’ll be providing ongoing support to enable her to continue to make improvements and grow in confidence.
Living alone in her own tenancy has created space between her and her mum. With support and guidance, she has rebuilt their relationship and they now meet regularly.
Over the past months, she has grown in confidence and, as a keen singer, has recently started performing in venues and attending open mic nights with support from her family and friends. She hopes to go to Teesside University to study music production within the next two years.
