My husband and I had to leave our full time jobs so we could care for our young children, who are now teenagers. Both boys have very complex needs and are nonverbal. They regularly resort to challenging behaviours as a coping strategy if they are not able to communicate their basic needs. In September 2022, we had to make a very hard decision to leave the area we'd lived in for over 12 years to move closer to our family, as we needed their support. Both boys need 2:1 support when they're in crisis or out in the community. We had a carer burn out, and if it wasn’t for our family we could not have coped.
We homeschooled both children for over a year until a placement in a special needs school became available. Not getting any respite, we applied for Universal Credit. Three months ago we were served a section 21 notice. Since then we’ve earnestly being searching for properties but have been let down by all letting agents who don't accept benefits. We are relying on the benefits system as sadly, being a carer is not considered employment.
We were advised to contact social housing for support but didn't meet their housing criteria as we hadn't been residents in the area for two years. I was referred from my local council to Beam: a welcoming, friendly and supportive service. Now, my specialist case worker is guiding me through the entire journey to call agents, discuss our situation and explain our affordability. She is so helpful and caring; she always takes the extra mile. It is only through Beam that we might find a suitable property.