Support that makes a difference

Background
The tenant had lived in a Falkirk Council property for several years and described living with severe disability associated with fibromyalgia and arthritis. They also had responsibilities for the daily care needs of their two adult children, both in their thirties and living with learning disabilities. Although their children lived separately, the tenant wanted to move closer to them to make it easier to provide support.

Alongside these responsibilities, the tenant faced outstanding repairs to their home and was unsure where to begin in getting them resolved.

Support provided
The tenancy support worker helped the tenant understand the property bidding process and supported them to use the system to look for a home closer to their children. The worker also helped report damage to the kitchen ceiling, advocated to the council for a replacement kitchen and referred the tenant to

Welfare Benefits because of concerns that they were not receiving their full entitlement.

The worker supported the tenant during a telephone appointment with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). According to the tenant’s account, the discussion identified a disability-related benefit entitlement that should have been included from 2014 but had been omitted in error. The worker asked whether the application could be completed during the call rather than waiting for a form to be sent out, and the adviser agreed.

Outcomes and next steps
At the time of the account, the kitchen ceiling had been repaired and a date had been arranged for the new kitchen to be installed. The tenant said these improvements had made a significant difference to their situation.

The benefits issue had been raised with the DWP, but the account did not confirm a final award or payment. The tenant felt that any additional income would help improve their quality of life.

Moving closer to their children remained a future goal. The tenant was receiving help with the bidding system and looked forward to being nearer their family.

Tenant feedback
The tenant felt that no improvements to the service were needed. They valued having support available and said they would recommend the service to others who needed help moving to a new home.

“Without the support of Wheatley I could not have done this."

-- Tenant

Background
The tenant became homeless following the death of his partner of 20 years. Although he had the right to remain in the family home, he decided it would be too difficult to continue living there and agreed with the family that the property should be sold. Following the sale, he moved into temporary accommodation while seeking a permanent home. The financial transactions relating to the property sale later created challenges when applying for benefits and financial assistance.

Support provided
The tenancy support worker helped the tenant understand the housing application and bidding process and provided practical support with finding a suitable property. The worker also assisted with Housing Benefit applications and gathered evidence to demonstrate that funds passing through the tenant's bank account from the house sale did not belong to him, helping to resolve concerns raised during benefit assessments.

During this period, the tenant experienced significant personal difficulties, including a hospital admission following an assault. The worker maintained regular contact, checked on his wellbeing and helped ensure he had access to appropriate support from family and services.

When the tenant was offered a permanent tenancy in Bo'ness, the worker supported him through the viewing, move-in process and applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund for essential household items. Additional advocacy was provided when financial assessments raised further questions about transactions related to the property sale.

Outcomes and next steps
The tenant successfully secured a permanent tenancy close to family and friends and was able to move into a fully furnished home. Housing Benefit and grant applications were successfully progressed, reducing financial pressures during the move.

The support helped him regain confidence and build an independent life in his new community. He developed new friendships, maintained existing relationships and became more active socially.

The tenant is now settled in his new home and continues to enjoy an improved quality of life following a period of bereavement, homelessness and uncertainty.

Tenant feedback
The tenant said the support gave him confidence to live independently and reconnect with family and friends. He did not feel any improvements to the service were needed.

"Without the support of Wheatley I could not have done this. It is good to know that there are services out there that can help people like myself. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs support to move to a new home."

-- Tenant

Background
The tenant, an older man, was living in temporary homeless accommodation after leaving supported accommodation. He had limited experience of managing a tenancy independently, including handling utility accounts and household bills, having previously lived with family members. Additional concerns were identified around his vulnerability, social isolation, health and wellbeing, and his ability to maintain a tenancy without ongoing support.

Support provided
The tenancy support worker helped the tenant establish his temporary tenancy, understand his housing costs and set up utility accounts and payment arrangements. Support was also provided to manage his housing application, identify suitable properties and prepare for moving into a permanent home.

The worker worked closely with housing colleagues, accommodation staff and other agencies to identify the tenant's longer-term support needs. This included helping him access social work assessments, supporting communication with services and advocating on his behalf when his health deteriorated. The worker also provided regular home visits, emotional support and practical assistance to help the tenant develop skills for independent living.

Additional support included helping the tenant access grant funding to furnish his home, secure financial assistance with housing costs, and connect with community resources to reduce isolation, particularly during the festive period.

Outcomes and next steps
The tenant successfully moved from temporary accommodation into a permanent tenancy and was able to furnish and establish his new home with support from grant funding. Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment and Council Tax Reduction arrangements were put in place to help sustain the tenancy.

The tenant also developed positive relationships with housing, social work and health services, enabling assessments for longer-term care and support. Through partnership working, ongoing support arrangements were established to help him manage his health conditions and maintain independent living.

The tenant's journey demonstrated a successful transition from homelessness to settled accommodation, with continued support now in place through other agencies to help sustain his tenancy and wellbeing.

Tenant feedback
The tenant said the support gave him confidence and reassurance to engage with services and access the long-term support he needed to live independently and comfortably. He felt no improvements to the service were necessary.

"Without the support from Wheatley I would have struggled to set up home and would not have accessed the long-term support I require."

-- Tenant