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.
NM was referred via Harbour and is a 58-year-old Ukrainian woman. NM had fled domestic abuse from her British husband, who she lived with in Ukraine – she was abused coercively and physically for 10 years.
NM received support to maintain her property. She was never allowed any independence, so she didn’t know how to pay bills, phone in repairs or claim benefits. She is attending ESOL courses five days a week and she is also a volunteer.
We successfully applied for PIP for NM, and she was able to buy a computer.
We’ve been able to download applications so that she can communicate with her family in Ukraine.
Due to the conflict in Ukraine, NM was advised that her mother and daughter would be able to get a family visa and move to England – Hestia helped with visa applications alongside Middlesbrough Council. NM was reunited with her daughter and 83-year-old mother and they are all settled in the Hestia property! The service co-ordinator assists with applications for pensions and benefits, as well as emergency health appointments.
NM and her family were supported to move into a brand new home with North Star and are living together in a three-bedroom property.
Local article covering the case: How three generations from a Ukrainian family found refuge on Teesside | The Northern Echo
