LIVE - The magazine for Optivo residents Winter 2017 | Page 3

“I’d like to thank all those staff
members and residents who have
shown me incredible kindness during
what has been a really difficult time.”
Fire devastates properties and lives
too. When a blaze ripped through
Alex’s house, he was left homeless
and without a job.
“Amazingly, they found me a place
through Optivo at Wendover Court
where I was made to feel at home
by the staff and the residents. One
resident was especially supportive
– going over and above to give me
some essential items that had been
destroyed in the house fire. I had
lost so much. My scheme manager,
Paula Lathbridge, also helped me
to find some basic furniture, to
settle in, and introduced me to my neighbours.
But we were pleased to be able to get him back on
the right track by offering him accommodation at
Wendover Court, Bromley, London.
He’s now been able to start working again as a
language teacher and he’s looking forward to
spending Christmas in his new home.
He said: “Before moving to Wendover Court I was
living in private rented accommodation in Lewisham.
I had a comfortable life in London with a good job. But
then a fire destroyed everything and one month later
I was homeless and unable to continue my work.
“I’ve never lived in a housing association property
before but I’m really impressed with the sense of
community, and my neighbours are so friendly.
If I have a problem, there is someone on hand to help
me. I’ve now been able to start working again. Finally I
feel as if my life is getting back on track.
“It was devastating and had a really negative
impact on my wellbeing. I faced a really challenging
time overcoming anxiety and the uncertainty
of my situation.
“I’d like to thank all those staff members and
residents who have shown me incredible kindness
during what has been a really difficult time.
“I had just enough funds to stay in a hostel but
I struggled to get the support I needed. I didn’t know
where to go so I started with my local council for
advice and help.
“I’m now looking forward to spending Christmas
here. I don’t have any family in the UK so I will be
spending it at Wendover among new friends.”
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