Real stories of Progress | Jane's story

Jane* is happy in her new home in Penwortham, as it offers her a safe space, with neighbours she feels comfortable with.

She was impressed at how smooth and fast the sign-up process was and says she was grateful for the initial support she received following the early weeks of moving in.

Jane says: “I was unhappy where I was previously living and wanted to get out.

“I looked on Select Move and started bidding on properties. I was third in line for a flat in Penwortham and I ended up getting it. I got a phone call to invite me to view the property and I viewed it within five days. I loved it and got the keys a week later.

“It all went so fast, which was a relief because if I had not got this flat, I don’t think I could have carried on and survived.

“The estate here is nice and quiet. I feel like I am in a safe space and my neighbours are lovely.

“I have made friends with the lady who lives in the flat below me – I regularly go there for a brew and a chat.”

When Jane signed up for her tenancy, her Area Housing Officer, Elaine went through details of her tenancy.

When Jane spoke about her financial difficulties, Elaine referred her to our Tenancy Sustainability Team, which works with our charity partner Key Unlocking Futures.

Jane adds: “The support I had when I moved in was great. Money was quite bad - I didn’t have a cooker or washing machine, so Elaine put me in touch with Key and I got a cooker, a washing machine and a shopping voucher for food.”

Elaine then arranged a new tenancy visit a month later to check Jane had everything she needed.

Jane adds: “After four weeks of me moving in, Elaine came to visit me to check everything was ok. At first, I didn’t know what support there was, but I’ve now found out that I can pick the phone up anytime and ask for help.

“I would 100 per cent recommend Progress to anyone needing somewhere to live.”

*not the tenant’s real name