There’s a bit of banter about who is doing the washing up as David and his housemates sit down for lunch, just like in any house share. With Reach’s support, the three are enjoying full and independent lives in their local community of Southwell.
Today’s lunch is David’s favourite – sausage rolls – bought from the local butchers. While out, he popped into the post office to add to his Harry Potter sticker collection. Wherever he goes, David is warmly greeted in the shops by people who have known him and his family for many years. It is this connection with the local community which helped David cope with the upheaval of two house moves in the past few years.
All three of the housemates have struggled to find suitable accommodation in Southwell where they could live independently of their families.
The lack of affordable social housing in rural areas like Southwell, means that David and his housemates are some of the many Reach clients who have had to face unstable living situations. Their search will end in 2023, when, all being well, all three will move into Reach’s Southwell accommodation.
“Since our Mum passed away a few years ago, David has lived in rented accommodation with two housemates, supported by Reach. David very much wants to stay in Southwell. When he’s out and about, people stop for a chat, often because they remember Mum. This sense of connection means so much to David. We are so glad as a family that David can now look forward to a stable home in the place where he feels at home.” – David’s sister
