Once my kids are happy, I am happy. I love going out with my three kids to different places. Seeing them comfortable and joyful is what makes me happy. I'm also a hair and beauty stylist. I enjoy going to work and talking to my customers. Sometimes by talking to them, I learn a lot, and they learn from me as well.
I've lived in my current accommodation for about eight years. Even before I moved in, it wasn't 100% liveable. My landlord told me that he would fix it up, but he didn't fix the house at all. The landlord had family issues, and the property came under the ownership of his ex-wife three years ago, yet there's still not been any change in the living conditions. I've lived in this house without central heating; there is mould in the rooms, and the bath at one time was falling apart. We were scared it would fall through the roof. At this present moment, the hot water in the face basin in the bathroom is not working.
All of this affects my kids, especially one of them who had to get counselling because the housing situation made her depressed. However, I have hope. I tell my kids every single day that we are going to move into a better place. A place that is liveable, kid-friendly and is in a nice area. Once I move into better accommodation, I'll have time to focus on my dream, to have my own business. I would love to open my own salon that can support myself and my kids in the future.
Each person we support into housing does in-depth budgeting with their caseworker to make sure they can sustain their new tenancy using benefits alone if necessary.