I had a tenancy in Belfast but had been experiencing violence and abuse from a group of local men, which left me fearful for my own safety. I decided to flee to Northern Ireland by ferry, catching lifts with lorry drivers where I finally arrived in Chester.
For a while I presented as homeless, sleeping wherever I could for several weeks before a bed became vacant at a hostel in Northwich. During this time, the Cheshire West and Chester Council were carrying out an investigation into my homelessness. This proved difficult as I did not report the abuse in Belfast to the police, therefore I was not seen as homeless because I chose to leave housing. This was a low point in my life that caused a lot of stress to my health.
I suffered a stroke on two occasions and spent several weeks in hospital which impacted my speech and mobility. My hospital stay was the first time I was introduced to P3 and the Stroke Association who both worked together to offer me mental and physical support.
“I had no family and friends in Cheshire and felt very lonely and vulnerable. I was referred to Elizabeth from P3 who helped me gather evidence to support my homeless application, engaging with a solicitor who represented me in court.”
Elizabeth helped me find a flat, in a central location to town, which is fantastic for me to get around independently as I still have difficultly with mobility. My right leg hasn’t fully recovered from my stroke.
P3 helped me to receive the right benefits, along with a grant from the Stroke Association which helped me buy clothes, food and furniture for my privately rented flat, which I now have a six month assured short-hold tenancy.
My life has changed dramatically as a result of the support I have received from P3. I can now live my life without fear of violence in a secure home. I have a passion for model cars and spend my spare time creating cars as a rehabilitation process. I am content with life; I don’t know what I would do without the support of P3 and the Stroke Association.
