Steven's story: from living in a caravan to supported housing

Steven had suddenly found himself with nowhere to go when the landowner died and the land he’d been living on was sold.

With our help, Steven was able to get into sheltered housing, set up utility bills and manage his tenancy.

But Steven had no family and his friends didn’t live nearby. He was also very poorly - circulation problems had led to him having toes amputated and his mental health was deteriorating too.

"When Steven’s time with Porchlight came to an end, he was assigned a social worker,” explains support worker Tracy. “But she left her job a few weeks later and he got lost in the system. I was worried that he’d be unable to book or attend appointments and would pass away without anybody knowing.

"After I flagged this, Porchlight began supporting him again. I made hospital appointments, booked his transport there and arranged for him to have his own flat with 24/7 support if needed.”

Steven is now settled in his new home, surrounded by people who care. He says that if Tracy hadn't helped, he would probably have died all alone and not been found for some time.

"His mental health and mobility have both improved. He gets to enjoy day trips and his wicked sense of humour is thriving," Tracy says.

We supported Steven as part of Live Well Kent & Medway - a network of services working together to help people manage their wellbeing and address issues that are affecting it, such as housing issues, debt and isolation.

*Not his real name