Tom started his journey with Horton Housing in December 2018 at Vale Street, a learning disability service in Todmorden and the Upper Valley area. When the service finished, Tom moved into shared accommodation across the Pennines in nearby Rochdale, but struggled with behaviour issues and was subsequently evicted.
With support, Tom moved back to Calderdale and found a tenancy. He had his own flat with a communal office area and night wardens on hand that he could discuss any issues he was facing. Tom’s stay was extended due to the pandemic, during which he was also supported by local organisation L G Caring who regularly visited and took him out to break his isolation. The night wardens were on hand should he or any of the residents need support during the night, and Tom would talk to them often and built good relationships with them.
Tom had difficulty controlling his anger and emotions, so support was quickly put in place to help him stay safe and protect himself. There were other complex needs, such as being open to abuse at times, as well as encountering budgeting issues. He now has social workers who routinely support him and take him out. None of these services were in place beforehand and Tom felt like he had been left on his own.
Having this network around him really helped make a difference, according to Tom.
“When I was in previous places, I had one-to-one support but had anger problems. They then put me on a two-to-one support plan with two staff members helping me. The support really helped me in finding the accommodation where I am at now. I am very happy with the support.”
Tom is currently enjoying living in specialist accommodation for people with learning difficulties, provided by the local authority. Newly refurbished and with a long-term plan in place, he is very positive, thinking ahead and eager to stay close to those who have played a role in his journey.
“I hope to still keep in touch with everyone at Horton Housing and can’t wait to join the trips with the volunteers once they start up again. I am very excited to do this! Now I am settled, I can keep thinking positively and carrying on with what I am doing.”
Tom now has a support network around him that he never had previously, according to his support worker. He can manage his emotions much better by processing and redirecting them as opposed to being impulsive. Tom has come a very long way and is much more settled now in himself and in his accommodation.
