Throughout September, Donna Clegg, Tenancy Coach at Great places, and Donna Large, Neighbourhood Services Manager, partnered with Age UK to extend a helping hand to our customers, a couple residing in North Reddish. The couple, who have lived in a first-floor flat since 2003, faced significant health challenges that necessitated a move to a ground-floor property. However, their home had become cluttered due to hoarding, and issues with damp and mould further complicated their situation.
Understanding the situation
Our customers were both dealing with mobility issues, and had been struggling in their current living conditions. They shared that they didn’t know “where to turn for help or who to ask for support” and explained how the situation was causing both their physical and mental health to suffer. Reports of anti-social behaviour from a neighbour and subsequent visits highlighted the need for intervention. Great Places became aware of their situation roughly two years ago, at which point we began to work towards a solution.
Providing support
Donna Clegg, assigned as their Tenancy Coach, was instrumental in assisting the couple. She worked diligently with them to address the clutter, and they agreed to hire a skip to start the de-cluttering process. Donna found a charity that would accept their many books, and AGE UK also offered their support. This collaborative effort improved the couple’s living conditions, and also made it possible to add them to the managed move list for a ground-floor property.
Positive outcomes
Our customers have expressed their gratitude for the support received. They shared that they were “looking forward to a new start in a new flat” and even found the process “therapeutic and worthwhile”, if also stressful. They added, “We are in a better place for the move and also a big thank you to Donna Clegg and Donna Large for everything that they have done for us and will do in the future. Thank you is not enough!”
Our values in action
This case exemplifies our commitment to supporting residents through challenging times. By addressing the couple’s immediate needs and working towards a long-term solution, the team has demonstrated the organization’s core values of care, collaboration, and community support. The residents’ feedback highlights the positive impact of these efforts: “Everything feels lighter now. Their support has made a big difference and it’s very appreciated”.
This experience has reinforced the importance of providing comprehensive support to residents so that everyone can thrive in their homes. It has shown that with the right assistance, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. The couple’s journey underscores the value of empathy and proactive intervention, aligning perfectly with Great Places’ objectives to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
About the customers experience Donna Large said:
“It was a great couple who really took on board this challenge, although was mentally and physically tiring and I think one of them may have been impacted more when going through his belongings and found it hard to recycle some of them, they had a stern talk to themselves and battled on to the end result, I must say how proud I am of them both they have come a long way”
About their experience with this case Donna Clegg said:
“Although a challenging and emotional situation for these customers I felt privileged that they allowed me to help them with this task.
The most amazing outcome now is that they have an opportunity to move to a more suitable property due to health conditions without all the stress and anxiety. I am so proud they accepted the challenge and got the outcome they deserve”
This story is a testament to the dedication of Great Places colleagues and their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of residents.
