Cheryl came to Roundabout’s Prevention Service for support when she was at risk of becoming homeless, as she was struggling to afford her tenancy.
Originally, she was living with her dad in Leeds whilst studying Nursing at University in Sheffield. The relationship was becoming fractured and Cheryl was regularly commuting to the city which was expensive, so she decided to explore how much it would cost to live in Sheffield.
“I really didn’t know how much it would cost to live there as I’d never had a tenancy before, but I needed a more affordable option than commuting and wanted some space to call my own.”
Cheryl found a temporary solution and moved into a friend’s flat in Sheffield. The flat was expensive, but she thought it would be okay temporarily and she could look for a more affordable place while she was staying there.
In September 2017, she visited the team at our Prevention Service, explained that she needed a more affordable, permanent place to live but was unsure where to look, so Roundabout staff helped her search for an appropriate tenancy.
Whilst Cheryl and Roundabout were searching for a new tenancy for her, she encountered a problem where she was staying.
“My friend moved out of the flat where I’d been staying but said I could still live there and just pay him rent. I had no idea that subletting wasn’t allowed so went along with it. When building management asked me to sign a new contract so I could still live there, I did. I had no idea what I was letting myself in for.”
Cheryl was now tied into a housing contract for a flat which she couldn’t afford. As it was a one bedroom flat, she couldn’t consider sharing the cost with another tenant either.
“Once I told Roundabout what had happened, they immediately helped me get out of the contract and into an affordable property. They really fought my corner and it meant so much to me that the staff really cared about my welfare. I dread to think what would’ve happened if I didn’t have their help.”
Cheryl now lives in a privately rented property which staff at the Prevention Service found for her. She’s finally got a place where she feels safe and settled, and Roundabout also provided her with a starter pack with all the essentials she needed for her new home, but couldn’t afford.
She received help from Roundabout’s drop-in advisors who advocated for her on her behalf, from Roundabout’s Private Rented Scheme that helped to search for suitable properties and also from Roundabout’s Mediation team, who helped to rebuild relations between Cheryl and her dad.
“I appreciate everything that the Prevention Team have done for me. When I first came to them for help, I definitely didn’t expect to get the level of support that I got! They have all done so much for me. Without them, I’d probably still be stuck in that housing contract, living in a flat I couldn’t afford and would be trapped in a cycle of debt. I wouldn’t have been able to afford to pay the rent and my debt would have increased out of control. I’d have had no savings for a deposit to be able to move anywhere else at the end of the tenancy. They really did save me from a dangerous situation and went above and beyond to make sure I was safe and independent.”
Thanks to the dedication of Roundabout’s Prevention staff, Cheryl is now settled in her own place, budgeting her money, working as a carer and is pursuing a career in Nursing.
“Now I’m in a place I can afford, I’ve set up a savings account so I can start to prepare for my future. I’m also determined to pass my driving test – I travel a lot for work so being able to drive would really help!”
Image: stock image (Pexels.com)
If you or someone you know is aged 16-25 and needs housing advice or support, please contact our Homeless Prevention Service (Mon-Fri, 10-4:30) by popping in to see them at 22 Union Street in Sheffield city centre or by calling 0114 272 8424.