Roy was referred to Fairoak during the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020.
He is an autistic gentleman who, through no fault of his own, had recently been made homeless and was living in a friend’s shed. Understandably, Roy was extremely anxious and depressed.
Fortunately, we had a vacancy in one of our supported living flats in Kendal and, in extremely challenging circumstances given the lockdown restrictions, we managed to work with one of our contractors to get the property ready for Roy in a very short timeframe.
The flat was redecorated throughout, and new carpets fitted; suitable furniture was sourced and within a week Roy was able to move into his new home where he is still happily living today.
Shortly after his move, Roy – with the assistance of a support worker – wrote to Lisa Chant, Chief Executive at Fairoak Housing Association and, with his permission, we are able to share what his new home meant to him:
“Words cannot express my gratitude towards Fairoak Housing and their wonderful staff. They showed me care and empathy at a time when I was in need. If it wasn’t for their intervention at a crucial moment, I doubt I’d be here to write this letter.”
“It’s not an understatement to say they played more than their part in saving my life. Fairoak Housing have given me hope that I can have a future and make a go of things and find some kind of happiness and meaning in my life.”
“The staff at Fairoak provide an excellent tenant-based service, totally focused on enabling people like myself stability, a safe environment, and a home to live in to heal and re-build a life.”
“I have nothing but complete and sincere praise for all at Fairoak – all the staff genuinely care about the service they provide.”
“When it comes to repairs and safety of my home, nothing is left to chance – alarms are regularly tested, there are regular inspections carried out to ensure things are safe.”
“On the rare occasion I may raise an issue, they respond, they listen, and they act upon it. They value us [the tenants]. They are even-minded, considerate and measured in how they deal with things.”
“Fairoak and my local community and neighbourhood blend in seamlessly. The placement of new tenants is always considered and is mostly harmonious.”
“I like the fact that my home is in a quiet and peaceful location away from noise – it gives me peace and calmness. I’ve made it my home.”
“Fairoak have always been reassuring… [my home] has given me stability and a chance to re-build my life. I once had it all, and lost it all, but the staff at Fairoak have helped me heal and feel secure again.”
“I am lucky to have a way of securing help and support from Fairoak. I feel so lucky to have this lovely flat and I cannot thank them enough.”
Having a place that we can call home is something that most of us take for granted and it is frustrating that, for supported housing organisation like Fairoak, achieving this for autistic people and people with a Learning Disability can still feel like a real uphill struggle.
Roy is just one example of the many people that supported housing providers across the UK have been able to help. Both he and people like him have struggled for their voices to be heard, and for their stories to be told.
If anyone still carries any doubts as to why it is essential that local authorities and central government act to promote good quality supported housing for autistic people and adults with a learning disability, then we refer you to these words from Roy to underline the impact that a good quality home has had on just one person.
