Chloe at 20 years old, has overcome an emotionally unstable personality disorder, and as well as being diagnosed with autism, she’s successfully enrolled on a healthcare course at college.
She is then hoping to attend Oxford Brookes University to study for a career as a nurse, specialising in postoperative care.
But she says all of this wouldn’t have been possible without the help of project worker Olena at a Sanctuary Supported Living scheme.
Unable to stay in her family home after becoming pregnant with her son Stanley in 2015, due to overcrowding, Chloe moved into supported housing, which provides self-contained flats for young parents and their children. There she received support for her mental health needs, developed her parenting skills and was assisted with day-to-day activities such as cleaning and washing clothes.
Over time, Chloe’s self-confidence improved and she was able to talk to fellow residents and increase her social circle. With Olena’s help, Chloe volunteered as a fundraiser for Banbury charity, which campaigns against proposed cuts to the hospital, and gave her time as a poll clerk during council elections, supervising a team counting the votes.
As her independence increased, Chloe moved from Rachel House to another scheme, which gave her more freedom, to the point where she is now ready to move into a place of her own with Stanley, who will be three in December. Chloe said: “My goal was always to get back into education and then return to full-time work and none of this would have been possible without the support of Olena.
“She has gone above and beyond to support me during the time I have lived at Rachel House, as have all members of staff. I am really thankful to everyone here who has supported me through what has been a very long and tough journey for me.”
