Support worker helps service user stay in home

Posted by MST on February 8, 2010 | No Comments |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

MST service user John hit the news recently when he won a fight to stay in his home after his brother died.

John had initially faced eviction, but after intervention from his support worker, has now been told he can stay in his flat. Gary Raynor, Floating Support Worker, picks up the story.

John’s world turned upside down
“John was referred to Include, our learning disabilities support service, by his local job centre in February 2009. He had recently moved in with his brother Anthony, having suffered problems with his tenancy.

While receiving support John made great progress. He dealt with debts, found full-time employment and re-established contact with his 10-year-old son. But on 14 September John and his family’s world was turned upside down when his brother died suddenly in a motorbike accident on his way to work. This put all of John’s plans on hold and put him a difficult situation with his housing.

Facing the prospect of homelessness
Soon after the funeral, John was informed that had no legal right to remain at his brother’s flat because his name was not on the tenancy and he had only lived there for nine months (a minimum of twelve is needed to succeed tenancy). By the time John received the letter, he only had 14 days to sort out any accommodation. We called the housing office but got the same reply. John was faced with the prospect of becoming homeless again.

We were worried that this could lead to the loss of his job, loss of contact with his son and the return to a chaotic lifestyle.

What happened next
“I supported John to make a homeless application to Nottingham City Homes, which was accepted due to his disabilities. But John felt his brother would have wanted him to stay at his property.

We contacted Shelter for advice and they agreed to take on the case. We appealed against the ruling under ‘exceptional circumstances’ and also gained the support of the local MP, Graham Allen, who wrote to Nottingham City Homes expressing his concern. Nottingham Evening Post even ran some articles and public support grew.

John signs his tenancy
“Nottingham City Homes agreed with the appeal and on 17 November 2009, John officially signed his tenancy agreement at his brother’s home.

It was a very difficult time for John, but working together we ended with a positive outcome. John remains in full-time work, has regular phone contact with his son and is still positive and moving forward. He spent Christmas with his family in his home and he’s grateful for all the support he received from all parties involved.”

To find out more about the role of support workers, please contact your local office. You can also read more service user stories in “people like me” on the MST website.