Anthony is in his mid 50s and lives in a Sanctuary Retirement Living in East London which is accommodation and communal facilities for over 55s or those with long-term care needs.
In 1998, Anthony developed multiple sclerosis and his condition has progressively deteriorated over the last 20 years. The heat wave of summer 2018 hit him hard and he ended up in hospital for two months. Following discharge he moved around a couple of supported housing services and really struggled with feelings of isolation and depression, before moving into his current home.
Since moving, Anthony has said “I feel like I’m part of a ‘big happy family’. The fact I can see the same friendly faces every day is great, and the regular group activities and events have meant I’ve made lots of new friends”.
“I can honestly say I now feel really happy. I feel more connected to the people around me and I look forward to waking up in the mornings”.
Anthony has said that if he didn’t have this support housing accommodation he would feel depressed and isolated.
What does supported housing mean to Anthony? He said “I’ve now got a friendly, happy atmosphere around me all day, with help available when I need it. Since being here I’ve fallen twice and had to press the emergency button and I would have been really scared if that help hadn’t been there. The fear that has always existed in the back of my mind has gone”.
