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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.
SW moved into Rainham House with her two-month premature baby, Soliana, who was born in January 2023.
Previously, SW was subject to inadequate housing conditions and overcrowding, meaning she was unable to take her baby home. When Soliana was ready to be discharged from hospital, SW found herself and her baby homeless.
Alternative provisions were explored, but due to the baby requiring specialist support and tube feeding, other providers were reluctant to support.
SW was offered a two-bedroom flat in Rainham House and moved in with her baby on 2oth March 2023.
SW had no equipment for her baby due to her arriving suddenly, so staff at Rainham House organised for all equipment to be donated. This included a pram, baby clothes and baby seats.
SW shared with staff that she had never maintained a tenancy herself, she had only shared rooms and therefore needed support to manage the tenancy, pay bills, parent Soliana and reduce social isolation.
Initially, SW had an allocated social worker on a children-in-need plan, but this was ended quickly after it was seen that SW was thriving while looking after Soliana. She engaged well in parenting sessions within the flat.
SW began to engage in positive activity sessions at Rainham House, as well as taking support to re-register to a local GP and attend Feel-Good Fridays, a “Staying Included” course and engaging in all her key worker support sessions.
To further reduce social isolation, a referral was made to HALO to give SW the opportunity to meet others who have been impacted by similar issues and enable her to socialise with other women in fun educational activities provided by HALO. The referral was accepted.
SW can now be seen regularly leaving the flat with confidence and wants to complete her ESOL classes.
SW continues to thrive in her tenancy – she is paying bills on time and managing the flat to a high standard. Only 10 weeks into the support, SW is open to registering on Tees Valley Homefinder and bidding on general needs properties.
