Access Project Success Stories

James
James came to live in the Access Project after his relationship with his partner broke down.  He was unemployed and was feeling very de-motivated.  He wanted to get back to work, so we linked him in with Transitional Spaces Project (TSP) in London who provide employment focussed coaching and an incentive scheme to help homeless people to move on.

Through TSP, James managed to find full time employment.  As he had worked with his coach, he qualified for a rent deposit loan.  James moved into his own one bedroom flat last month and is settling in well.

Ahmed
Ahmed came to the UK as a refugee from Iraq.   He had been persecuted in his own country and was feeling quite isolated where he was living, in a hostel in Kingston. He moved into the Access Project and got a job working in a café in Kingston.

He and his girlfriend planned to move in together and, with encouragement from our support team, he managed to save a rent deposit.   He and his girlfriend found their own flat and he is now looking to pursue his career as a chef.

Rebecca
Rebecca was living in our young person’s house in Raynes Park.  She managed to find full time work in a clothes shop.  She was on a very low income and was unable to save towards a rent deposit.  Rebecca was very motivated and worked with our support team.  She always paid rent on time and was a quiet and respectful tenant.

KCAH nominated Rebecca for a one bedroom Housing Association flat in Merton. She got the keys to the flat two weeks ago, but there were problems with the electricity supply so she was unable to move straight away.  Jan worked with the supplier to get Rebecca connected and she moved in this week.  She is very happy in her new home.

Steve
Steve came to KCAH following a very acrimonious relationship breakdown.  He was a devoted father, but his ex partner, who had a drug problem, was refusing to allow him to see his daughter.  Steve was very depressed and had made a claim for Incapacity Benefit.  This benefit was stopped as he failed a DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) medical assessment.

We submitted a benefit appeal for Steve, then represented him at his appeal tribunal.  The appeal was successful and his claim was reinstated.

We found a family solicitor for Steve so that he could gain access to his daughter. With the solicitor’s help, Steve obtained sole custody of the child as the ex partner was found to be neglecting her. We then helped to Steve to make an application to the Homeless Person’s Unit and he and his daughter are now living in their own council flat in Kingston.

Vicky Hudson
Senior Housing and Resettlement Officer