Caroline's story

“I came to Crisis because I was given notice on the property that I'm living in. I was referred to Crisis by somebody that I know. They suggested that Crisis might be able to help me. I hadn't heard of Crisis prior to that, but they were supporting my friend and able to help me because I've got poor mental health as well.

“When my landlord served me with the eviction notice, I just felt sick. Myself and my 14-year-old daughter were really worried about what we would do. Fortunately, we benefitted from the COVID rules in that we were given six months rather than the usual two months before we got out. It still didn't really make it much better though. We still didn’t know what to do or how to find somewhere. We were worried because we knew there were loads of other people in the same position.

“I was worried that I might get separated from my daughter, maybe I would have to send her to my parents’, and I would have to go somewhere else. Maybe we would have to go into a refuge again. So many things were going through my head, and I just didn’t know what to think.

“When I came to Crisis, I was so impressed. They've really helped me so much. They helped me sort out a few problems with my bills in my current property and other practical things that I was having trouble with.

“Crisis pointed me in the direction of social landlords and helped me with the housing application and supported me with the types of property that I could apply for because I have epilepsy. They suggested that I get a supportive letter from my epilepsy nurse about the sort of property that is suitable for me. They also stressed the urgency of me moving because of my mental health.

“It has helped me so much with my mental health, coming into clay club and doing pottery and painting. I enjoy working with clay and painting. It takes my mind off other things that are going on. It is so relaxing.


“It is good to know Crisis is at the end of the phone, if I need anything. If my friends hadn't recommended Crisis, I don't think I would have known where else to go for support. I'd previously fled a domestic violence relationship and hadn’t got this level of support from other charities.

“I think housing options and other support agencies should be working together more closely. I just don't think housing options realise what homelessness is really like. They don't seem to work with you or tell you about the support that's available.

“We are currently still living in the same property but they are hopefully going to do some repair work on it shortly.

“My daughter and I are going to be moving into a two-bedroom house, which is close to my parents. Thanks to Crisis, we've managed to find a social housing property through one of the social landlords. We hopefully should be moving within the next few weeks and we can start a new life, out of the private rented sector and into social housing which is a bit more secure and better than where we are now.

“I am looking forward to a new life where I feel more settled.

“It's good to know Crisis is at the end of the phone, if I need anything.

“I am proud of standing on my own two feet, leaving an unhealthy relationship and facing the world on my own with my daughter. It's been a complete change of lifestyle.

“I would say please support Crisis. The work that they do is phenomenal. They support so many people in so many ways. If it wasn't for them, so many people would be so much worse off now. I’ve met so many other people in the last few weeks who have been supported by Crisis, with everything from cooking to painting, housing, and even helping them to do simple things like shopping that some people just take for granted."