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When Kai became a mum for the first time, she faced challenges that many new parents can relate to — but with added pressures that felt overwhelming at the time. She found herself at our parents' support scheme, Stanley House. There she found kindness and support from our support colleagues. She is now in a much better place and in her forever home which you can see pictured below.

Today is Starts at Home Day, which is a campaign that celebrates supported housing and the impact it has on our communities. Kai's story is a testament to the incredible work support workers do. We want to say thank you to them all.

Please read below in her Kai's own words, her experience at Stanley House.

What kinds of challenges brought you to Westward support services?

I had to move back in with my parents after having my first child. I was previously a care giver, so I found that our relationship was quite strained with me living back at home. My health visitor let me know about Stanley House, and she put in a referral for me. I was on a child in need plan, so I needed extra support, especially around my relationship.

How have Westward colleagues supported you?

Support staff always made sure I had everything I needed, emotionally and physically. They have helped me secure my forever home.

What is it about Westward support that is making a difference for you?  

Staff have made me feel welcome and supported. I knew that I could speak to them at any time without judgment. They go above and beyond to do certain things; they helped sort my sofas for my new home when I moved on or when they helped me leave my toxic relationship.

How are things now?

Things are great now. I'm finally in the right place to get my life back on track and wouldn't have been able to do this without Stanley House.

What skills have you learnt?

I've learnt how to clean up after myself and keep on top of day-to-day living skills. Encouragement from my support worker helped me get to this point.

What has been your biggest achievement since being with us?

I had social services involved when I first moved into Stanley and found myself in a toxic relationship. I have now been closed by social services, have my own home, and I am thriving without that partner. Looking forward to the future me and my son get to have. 

You can find out more about Stanley House here.