The Winning Back the West End team are pleased to share the wonderful story of local resident Sam Patton who has recently moved to his very first home after his rented room had been purchased through the Masterplan process.
Sam Patton came to Morecambe from Belfast in 1969 to be closer to relatives. He moved into Bed and Breakfast accommodation and up until February 2006 had been living in various B & B’s in the West End for 35 years. He has been plagued with health problems which have been exacerbated by the conditions in which he was living. At the age of 60 and suffering from asthma, arthritis, depression and painful trapped nerves, life for Sam was not too good when he was living in a B & B and having to climb many flights of stairs to get to his own room. Medication has helped with some of the physical symptoms, but his overall outlook on life has just improved enormously by having a place to call his own. With the help of the Home Support Service Sam has just moved into a sheltered housing complex and this has given him a new lease of life.
He had to move out of his previous accommodation which he had been living in for the past 18 years when he was given an eviction date from his landlord with only a months notice. Sam contacted Lancaster City Council’s Homeless Unit and the Home Support team on Euston Road, and met Debbie Stewart, who became Sam’s Personal Support Worker. In just over a month and with the help of her colleagues and other agencies, Debbie has helped Sam find a place to live and organised his utilities and benefits and has helped him move his things into his new home.
Sam said: "I’m surprised how quick it happened. Debbie has supported me and taken care to make sure everything was in place for me.
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I was very apprehensive as I was in my last place for 18 years. I was frightened but Debbie has helped me in every possible way, getting in touch with the benefits agency, sorting out my electric and gas and moving my stuff. Now it is 100% better. I’ve got my own wee place and it’s brilliant. The people are very friendly and helpful, making sure I’ve settled in. I don’t have to climb the stairs anymore as there is a lift and a warden is there to see to my every need."
Sam has high praise for Debbie and her colleagues, he said: "It’s a new outlook on life. It gives you hope, I definitely recommend it to others, especially with the support which is there until you say you don’t need it anymore. This scheme is for the good of the West End, I’ve seen the West End go right down the drain, but hopefully with the new regeneration scheme it will start picking up."
The Home Support Service provides confidential advice and support on a wide range of issues. It has been up and running since March 2003 and has gone from strength to strength due to the commitment of the home support workers. They help people to access community facilities and services and promote independent living. For some residents Home Support has meant that they have been able to remain in their own homes, others have been successfully resettled into new homes. If you feel you may benefit from the home support service or know anyone who may need help please contact either Debbie Liz or Shelagh on 01524 586821 or call into the Strategic Housing offices at 56/58 Euston Road.
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