Gina was referred to us at Venus for housing related support by her sister. Gina, aged 22, was brought up in the care system and has two young children aged 6 and 8 months old. After having to leave her previous tenancy which was infested with rats, she found she was not eligible for support under homeless legislation after being assessed by the local Housing Options team. After being told she had made herself intentionally homeless, this lead to her and her children ‘sofa surfing’ for around six months. Constantly moving with her children between different family members was having a detrimental affect on her and her family. Due to these circumstances, her mental health was suffering and problem with depression worsening. 

However, since being in contact with Venus, Gina is now in a hostel with her children. She is accessing tenancy sustainment support from Venus through our housing related support programme. Gina is working together with her allocated support worker to build an individual support plan; this will help us to address Gina’s needs and make a successful resettlement. Through this support plan Gina has begun to develop the economic and practical skills needed to make a positive move to her new tenancy. Gina is now finally on the pathway to regaining some stability for herself and her family.

"Carol is non-judgemental which i find is a rarity" (from Gina's evaluation)