Finally Got An Offer (Social Housing)

AdrianC

deannatrois wrote: »

So to anyone in the same situation, don't give up and keep talking to the people that can change things. I was never rude to the HO even though some of the policies seemed ridiculous and inappropriate. I had to deal with what is, rather than what I wanted, obviously. finally something seemed to give in the system and we are moving to our own place.

This is very good advice.

Congrats.

AnotherJoe

Congrats, great news.

JP1978

Well done for your perseverance under difficult times.

The story also warrants comment on the HO who, probably against all the 'computer says no' automatic assessments took a human view on things and pushed the right buttons to do the 'right thing'.

There are unfortunately so many people out there that treat the social housing situation with contempt - they choose not to work yet expect to be housed by the LA - this is partly what makes it difficult for the families with genuine needs.

Again, well done - and enjoy your new home and family unit. Hope your son gets control of his ADHD etc.

Bonniepurple

Congratulations- not just on your new place but on fighting the system too.

Enjoy your new, secure, safe home!

Nikkinakkinoo2017

I do not remember your original posts as I am new, but this is lovely to read and I hope you will be very happy in your new home xx

carly

I've not posted before but I've followed your story and been amazed with your resilience and determination to acheive your best for your family in the face of such difficulties. I'm so pleased you have been offered a suitable home and wish you all many happy years together there.

Pixie5740

_party__party_:dance::beer:

SquirrelSmall

Thrilling news! Hats off to you for your perseverance.

[Deleted User]

I'm afraid calm and collected is not me.

1) My younger son has a social worker doing a safety assessment because I got stressed after another private rental letter from the council for a totally unsuitable property that I didn't know if I could refuse, and managed to go hypo (also a diabetic, its unstable at times in spite of my best efforts). My younger son called an ambulance (little angel that he is) cause he could see I was totally out of it, and I had a go at him for calling an ambulance and tried to grab the phone off him in front of the ambulance people. So now I'm considered a risk to my son. I honestly didn't hurt him, its never happened before and I've discussed with him that if ever he feels at risk, he just needs to go to another room cause I wasn't with it enough to chase after him. I really did take what happened very seriously. I'm notmally so caring and very careful how i speak to my sons. Full marks to my wonderful younger son for coping as well as he did, he was amazing.

2) My older son after lots of struggles and efforts to get a level 3 qualification (one sixth form and two colleges later - nothing to do with his intellect or lack of hard work, just these places haven't been able to meet his needs) has been offered a university place. So thrilled. Was at the welcome meeting for an open day that above mentioned social worker knew was happening.., and at that moment she forwarded the email from the HO saying I had to go into private rental and would lose all 'rights' to help with housing once the offer had been made. It was a very 'this is the way it is' email. So I didn't even realise I could question whether what he was saying was reality NOW or just a proposal.

3) So i spent the rest of the morning pacing the grounds freaking out, knowing that I just couldn't cope with private rental again, trying to set up services for my sons, find a new school for my younger son and getting used to a new part of the country (all of us would find this difficult). Basically I was planning suicide. I was going to wait until this offer came through and then off I'd go. I couldn't do anymore for my kids. I'd run out of steam.

So calm wasn't it. I did manage to pull it together enough after a while once my older son came out of his taster lesson because he kept asking me if I was ok, he could see I wasn't and I couldn't have that. But I had just been pushed too far. I was pretending to be calm and rational. The system as it is can make you feel there is just no hope. I know its because of a shortage of social housing, and lack of money.., but it just seems that you hit walls with everything nowadays. It can be a bit wearying.

As it turned out, it was a proposed change so we did have some time. And I did decide to do anything I could to get us into whatever social housing I could before this change happened. But I am afraid, if we were forced into private rental. I still had every intent of not being around to see it happen. Awful I know, but I just knew I couldn't do it.

So, thank goodness this offer came through. Somehow my willingness to move to anything as long as it was permanent housing where my kids could access services got through to those who could make decisions.

We'll be ok now. But the reason I have written this 'book', is to help others in just as difficult situations see that things can change. A month ago I had no hope .., and it got worse.., now everything has changed. It can happen.

Winter_Phoenix

Deanna, I am thrilled for you. Your long dark night seems to be coming to an end at last!

May you and your sons find much happiness, as well as the longed-for stability, in your new home.