North East Lincolnshire Council’s Housing Related Support helps local man get back on his feet

When Grimsby man Graham’s life spiralled out of control following mental health problems and a relationship break-up, he turned to a vital North East Lincolnshire Council support service to help him get back on his feet.

Graham started drinking to help him cope after being sectioned due to a mental health episode. His life then quickly spiralled further as his long-term relationship broke down and he lost his job.

He then found himself in confrontation with his flatmates, which led to his landlord serving him an eviction notice. Desperate, he called the council’s Homeless Team and officers immediately stepped in to help. Straight away they found the served notice was illegal, meaning Graham could stay in his home – but he still needed support.

He was referred through the NELC Housing Related Support scheme to Humbercare and the team there was able to support Graham in various aspects of his life. Officers helped him apply to Universal Credit to ensure he had money coming in and helped him access food banks while he was waiting for approval.

While working with him, his support worker also noticed that he couldn’t read or write very well, so they helped Graham to apply to PIP (Personal Independence Payment), which he was approved for.

In a new home and with money coming in, Graham recalls how his life improved: “I began to feel much better, I was drinking less and eating better,” he said, adding how Humbercare also pointed him to services to support with his on-going mental health struggles.

Hearing Graham’s story, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure, and Transport Cllr Stewart Swinburn, praised the work of the Homeless Team and its partners.

“Graham is just one example of how our Housing Related Support scheme and the partners that deliver it can turn someone’s life around. Enabling someone to get the help they need is an important service that can help many people in all walks of life.”

Housing Related Support and it’s seven local providers can help anyone over the age of 16 who needs help and is willing to work with services to learn new skills and achieve their goals. If you think that Housing Related Support could help you, please ring the NELC Home Options Team on 01472 326296 option 1.