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This is the start of Poverty and Ö÷²¥´óÐãlessness Awareness Week and a good opportunity to highlight the work being done around this subject by organisations funded by Ö÷²¥´óÐã Children in Need. We have been funding the Keys to the Future project in Knowsley, Merseyside through Shelter since 2009. The aim of this project is to support children and young people who are affected by homelessness.

The following case studies highlight how young people have been helped by this project.

Case Study 1 – Sophie and Marc

Sophie and Marc came to Shelter after meeting one of their Support Workers whilst visiting a friend. They had recently moved to Merseyside from Cardiff with their two children, Julia (aged 8) and Richard (aged 2). At the time, Sophie was pregnant with their third child and was suffering from depression. 

The family were really struggling to settle into the new area. The stress of extensive debt as well as disrepair issues with their new house meant that both Sophie and Marc were finding it hard to support their children through a difficult period of transition. As a consequence, both children, and in particular Julia, had worrying behavioural issues. Julia had developed problems with anxiety; she refused to travel on public transport and was also having difficulties with other children in the neighbourhood who were taunting her because of her Welsh accent.

Shelter’s Support Worker assessed the family and set up a holistic action plan for improving their situation. Sophie started to attend a parenting course, which helped her to deal with her children’s behavioural issues and improved her confidence in her parenting ability. She also received advice in addressing the family’s financial problems from Citizens Advice and was able to negotiate an affordable repayment plan for the family’s debt. Shelter’s Support Worker worked with Sophie and Marc on contacting their landlord and getting him to finish the outstanding repair work to the property. She also successfully petitioned the local authority for a free place at nursery for Richard, and worked one-on-one with Julia to improve her confidence and deal with her worries.

As the action plan was completed the family’s functioning began to improve. Richard started nursery, giving Sophie precious time to prepare for the new baby. Julia is doing far better at school and is now taking dance classes, which have substantially enhanced her confidence. Moreover, she has learnt to cope with some of her worries, and is much better at dealing with challenging situations. All the repairs to the house have been completed and the family now enjoy spending time at home together. Both parents have improved self-esteem and are now confident, engaged parents.

Case Study 2 – Michael and Tracy

Michael and Tracy were referred to the Knowsley Project as the family were getting targeted in the community, their living condition was very poor, the family had experienced homelessness in the past and had several moves.  The referrer said the housing situation had an impact on the children; Michael and Tracy have four children, John 18, Anna 15, Sophie 14 & Ellie 10.

The family was assessed during the initial visit with complex needs around housing, family dynamic, mental health and the children’s education. The issues with housing were around overcrowding, the condition of the property, disrepairs/safety and rent arrears. With five adults and the three children living in the 3-bedroom property, the house was overcrowded. The three daughters had to share one bedroom which had an impact on their relationship, education and personal development.

The family were in rent arrears with their current and previous landlord, so they could not apply for social housing. As their landlord had sent armed men to collect some rent arrears previously, they were too scared to be referred to an enforcement officer to chase the landlord to complete the repairs. The family had to move, as soon as possible, to a decent area, bigger house and into private housing.

The housing situation had an impact on the parents too, who were both suffering from depression, especially Michael. As both Michael and Tracy were not mentally well, this had an impact on their confidence and parenting. They did not communicate with their daughters’ school and did not deal with Anna’s attendance and behaviour issues. The three daughters were referred to a child support worker for one-to-one support.

After six months of support and multi-agency work with the council’s housing team, the family was re-housed into private housing. The deposit was guaranteed by the council, as the landlord is accredited by the council. Michael and Tracy have managed since not only to sustain the tenancy but also to maintain the condition of the property up to a decent standard. The family receives full housing benefits and have maintained a good relationship with their landlord. Their parenting skills have improved and all family members take responsibility to keep the home tidy and clean. Both parents take an active part in their daughters’ education too. All family members have stated they are all happier since they moved.

The work that is done by this project wouldn’t be possible without the money that you raise and donate to Ö÷²¥´óÐã Children in Need.  Your generosity helps young lives right here where you live in the UK. Find out more about the Shelter – Knowsley Child Support project .