Tina spent many years rough sleeping and struggled with severe mental health challenges that made it difficult for her to trust services. This meant that Tina was isolated and did not receive support as many services believed she “refused to engage”. But the truth was that Tina was extremely vulnerable and acted defensively to protect herself from a world that had hurt her.
Whilst rough sleeping in Hanley, a PCSO reached out to Tina and referred her to Brighter Futures’ Housing First – this service provided permanent housing and support to people with complex needs, particularly entrenched rough sleepers. The Housing First Team began to engage with Tina and eventually she was offered her own home.
Although Tina finally had a place to call her own, things quickly took a turn for the worst. Others took advantage of her and her property was targeted by other people who stole her money and belongings, and in some instances physically hurt her.
At the time, Tina thought these people were her friends however she now reflects; “They were doing what they liked, saying what they liked to me, saying ‘this is our place now”.
Tina was experiencing Cuckooing – a form of exploitation when people take over a vulnerable person’s home for their own benefit. Brighter Futures colleagues and PCSOs visited Tina almost every day to try and move the people on, issue injunctions on the perpetrators and support her wellbeing.
When Housing First’s funding came to an end, Brighter Futures understood Tina’s situation required continued, extensive support and transferred her tenancy to the housing sustainment service and referred her into Changing Futures who coordinated a multi-partner support plan.
Unfortunately, the cuckooing issue only became worse so it was decided that the best solution was to move Tina to a tenancy within Furlong Court – a supported housing facility with 24/7 staff and a manned front door. This move meant Tina could finally feel safe in her own home, knowing no one could force their way in.
At Furlong Court, Tina began to rebuild her life. With support from Changing Futures, Brighter Futures and Triband – who help her with daily tasks like shopping, attending appointments and learning life skills such as cooking and cleaning. Tina is now thriving, no longer using substances and living independently. She also regularly accesses groups such as Stoke Recovery Group, Women’s Connect and Loose Women (Orchid Women’s Service) where she recognises that she has genuine connections within a supportive community.
Tina’s free time is now her own and she loves watching films (especially action films and 8 mile with Eminem), and she loves visiting charity shops to find ornaments to add to her collection. She is even crafting her own ornament, a little dog called “Purdy”.
One of Tina’s biggest goals for the future is to see her children again. With continued support, she’s working to create a stable future for her and her family.
Tina’s advice for others in this situation is simple: “Just tell the truth and accept the help.”
She also wants to break the stigma around homelessness: “People think it’s the person’s fault, which is far from the truth. People can come from something and lose it, all through no fault of their own. I’ve known it to happen to people and they still get judged the same.”
Tina’s journey shows the power of understanding, trust and compassion. Tina’s life has completely turned around and with the right support, she continues to thrive.
