After suffering from a brain haemorrhage and facing a no-fault eviction, Tom’s life and living situation changed.
He’s been living in temporary accommodation for two and half years but has been on the housing list for almost 13 years.
Housing which accommodates his disability has been hard to find but, with the support of The Wallich and Bridgend Council, Tom at least has a suitable, temporary home which keeps him safe and connected with his community.
“My Section 21 Notice [a no-fault eviction] was worse than my brain haemorrhage.
She [the property owner] wanted to sell, so I had to leave.
My family are brilliant and did as much as they could for me. I’m very lucky.
I needed support, but if I went into a care home I would lose my independence. So now it’s brilliant that I’ve moved into this Linc Cymru bungalow and it’s disabled-friendly. We need more like this.
The bungalow is brilliant, but I also get Rachel and Joanne from The Wallich. They pop in and have a cup of tea, check on me and help me when I need it.
But in temporary accommodation, it’s hard to put roots down. In 6 weeks or 6 months, I might have to get ready to move.
With all the fault in the system, we are a lot better than a lot of other countries. My lot isn’t a bad lot.
There’s always people worse off than me. I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m complaining. I just wish I had a permanent home.
After 13 years on the housing list, it would be like winning the lottery to get a permanent home.”
“Right-to-Buy policies in the 80s took a lot of houses out of action. But 40 years later, they should be building homes for all people, homeless people, families, disabled people.
The planning permission should depend on that. Every single government has promised to build houses and not met their targets.
The council and The Wallich have been brilliant but there’s a chronic lack of social houses for everyone.
There needs to be a change in the law which means more housing for people with able bodies and wheelchair users.
With my electric wheelchair, there’s houses that say they’re for disabled people. But when I’ve looked at them, I can’t turn into the kitchen or the bathroom. They say they’re wheelchair-friendly, but they’re not.
Though, the council have offered me an Occupational Therapist now who views properties for me with The Wallich, to check if they’re suitable.
Having been on the list so long, it can be frustrating. It’s not their fault but sometimes Housing Officers change and you have to start from square one. And that’s hard when you’re disabled and have needs.
So I started to think the Housing Officers are the enemy. They’re not. But with not enough houses, it will frustrate you.
Governments, please speak to charities like The Wallich to help with the homelessness. They’ve got the boots on the ground, they know what’s going on.”
“My neighbours all look out for each other. I like living here.
It’s quiet enough here. I mean, I lived in the army for years, I was sent to Northern Ireland a few times. I’ve had to share a room with 12 other men once – so I’m not bothered!
This bungalow works for me. I can get around and it’s all really organised.
I’ve got enough room to move about and keep all my stuff – including my whisky bottles (I collect rare Johnny Walker bottles).
I’ve done a hanging basket out the front and some pots. The neighbours say it’s really nice to add a bit of colour.”
“Myself and Rachel really look forward to supporting Tom.
In our weekly support sessions, he aways has a few stories to tell us from his army days or the many jobs he’s done over the years.
Even when he’s not having a good week or a good day, Tom aways welcomes us with a smile and a joke.
He’s always very open to our suggestions for coping strategies and makes a good cup of tea.
A big challenge to anyone in temporary accommodation is connection and community. It’s lovely to see that Tom and his current neighbours get on well and look after each other.
We are doing everything we can to support him through his long wait on the housing list.
We just know the right home will come for him and we’ll be there however long that takes.”