One day: in the neighbourhood

The life and wellbeing of Tracey Lings have been transformed by moving to a Futures fl at in the Derbyshire village of Horsley Woodhouse. She describes it as her “forever home.”

Tracey moved to her new fl at in spring 2020; leaving behind a stressful situation in which the block of fl ats she previously lived in (belonging to another housing provider) became the focus for serious drug and alcohol abuse. “It was horrendous,” she says, “I felt trapped – it was really affecting my mental health, and I was desperate to move.” With support from her doctor and other health professionals, Tracey secured a one-bedroom fl at in Horsley Woodhouse through the Home Options scheme. She qualifi ed for the scheme, reserved for older people, because of her medical condition, and has never been happier.

“Futures called me on a Wednesday, I viewed the property on Friday, then signed the tenancy and got the keys on Monday. There are just eight fl ats here – each with its own front door, and my neighbours are all lovely and friendly. It’s only about seven miles from where I used to live, but it feels worlds away.” Tracey

The move means Tracey can help look after her two granddaughters who live near Nottingham. With help from an occupational therapist, she’s also been able to get some aids and adaptations to help her at home, including a keysafe, extra handrails and lighting. She’s also due to have her bath replaced soon with a walk-in shower. Feeling safe and settled in her new surroundings, Tracey has joined Futures’ online MyVoice forum to keep up to date with what’s happening and give her feedback and suggestions for improvements. “It’s a good way to keep in touch,” she says, “Joe who manages the page posts things regularly – it’s a good mix of community information and fun stuff.”

“Being here has had such a positive impact on my life. It’s beautiful and rural, but still accessible to shops and everything I need. Futures have been brilliant – they seem like a really good landlord.” Tracey

Things that really matter

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