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Background:
Susan is in her late 40s. She lives with her 18 year old daughter (who is her primary carer) and 8 year old son. The family were evicted from a local authority tenancy due to significant rent arrears. Suspension of Susan’s benefits had exacerbated this situation: she hadn’t complied with her Job Seekers Agreement, as she had been unwell for several years although the indicators were not recognised by any involved parties. The family were found living in their car at the bottom of their garden by their former housing officer who contacted statutory services due to safeguarding concerns. Susan was detained under the Mental Health Act. Her eldest son had to leave his university course before completing his course and come back to Leeds to care for his younger siblings at the request of Children’s Social Care whilst mum was being treated as an in-patient. While she was in hospital, Susan signed a a tenancy agreement for a privately rented property. No support was in place when this family were referred to Engage Leeds.
Support Provided:
The family’s Support Worker’s priority was to get them in a positive position for rehousing so they have a chance to secure suitable affordable accommodation. The Support Worker first helped the family to tackle their benefit entitlements and debts…. arrears from the property they were evicted from, and current arrears that put the new private tenancy at significant risk. Susan wasn’t really aware of, nor have the capacity to fully understand the circumstances or implications. The Support Worker liaised closely with Leeds Housing Options, and organised a meeting between them and the Private Letting agent. Throughout, the Engage Leeds worker provided the family with emotional and advocacy support to deal with housing, benefits agencies, and made a referral to the Community Mental Health Team for ongoing support for Susan.
Outcome Achieved:
The Support Worker’s actions prevented the loss of the family’s current accommodation, while also supporting them to look for more affordable accommodation. Susan is now receiving Personal Independence Payments, and the family is awaiting a decision on carer’s allowance.
Debts relating to former and current tenancy arrears and tax issues have been resolved.
Susan’s mental health has significantly improved. Her Support Worker has noted a significant change in her overall wellbeing during support and Susan feels she has a future.