We just love it when our clients move out!
If that sounds harsh, allow us to clarify. Of course, we miss the friends we’ve got to know, but every move-on means we’ve helped empower that person to live independently.
Victoria has just moved into her own Your Homes Newcastle flat after many years living in Action Foundation accommodation.
Victoria first sought asylum in the UK almost 23 years ago and though she was granted another two years to remain here last year, she will have to reapply again. When you’re living in that kind of limbo, it’s important to have a secure place to stay.
Action Foundation stepped in 13 years ago when Victoria found herself homeless. She had been dispersed to Newcastle from London by the Home Office and, although she was able to stay with friends for a while, she could not depend on them indefinitely.
She was given a room in a shared house through our Action Housing project for destitute asylum seekers and was allocated a one-to-one support worker, Denise, who supported Victoria with her emotional wellbeing, particularly through her father’s ill health and, when he died, her bereavement.
Denise also helped Victoria to access legal help and then with her Universal Credit claim and application for an independent tenancy.
After years of neglecting her hobbies – Victoria loves yoga and painting – she at last feels sufficiently settled to rediscover her passions and has begun teaching yoga as a volunteer.
In her new flat she has a big room filled with light which she’s turned into a studio for her painting and yoga. Looking to the future, she would like to teach yoga professionally online.
She says: “I don’t know how I could have survived for so many years without having somewhere to live. Action Foundation has offered me a lot of help and I would like to say a big thank you.”
