Hi everyone, my name is Kelly!
Can you see me in my new flat? I love it. The journey I’ve taken from living at home to being in my own flat is a great story and one that’s worth hearing!
Home Life
I used to live at home with my mum, brother and stepdad. Don’t get me wrong – I loved it, but I had a feeling that it was time for me to spread my wings and fly the nest. It was time for me to try living on my own. Having my own flat has always been a dream of mine. I have wanted to live on my own, making my own meals and developing my cooking skills. What I really wanted to do was to treat my mum to a meal which I had cooked. I could picture us sitting together and eating what I had made! I had a goal and was going to achieve it!
Making Moves
One day, my social worker called to speak to my mum and me. She had some exciting news! She said that a flat had become available at ubu. It was in the same area as I lived with my family, so I wouldn’t be moving too far away. I didn’t want to get my hopes up - I have looked at so many flats, but they just weren’t suitable for me. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. I agreed to go with my mum and take a look at the flat. My social worker contacted ubu to arrange a viewing. I began to get a little bit excited. When I saw the flat, it was everything I wanted. The flat was on the ground floor and there were staff close by to support me, which is really important for me. The flat had a kitchen, a lounge and a bedroom. The location of the flat was perfect! It’s local to the shops and bus routes and still close to my mum - but not too close 😊
I was so excited. I couldn’t stop smiling and I wanted to move in straight away. The ubu team introduced me to the people that already lived there, in neighbouring flats, and helped me to start getting to know them. I couldn’t believe it – amazingly, they had similar interests to me. There was also a good mix of different people, which I liked. The ubu enabling team made us feel very welcome, so much so I could see myself calling this flat ‘home’. After the viewing, my mind was made up. I wanted that flat! The wheels were put in motion for me and I was able to start planning for my move.
Supported by ubu
ubu worked closely with me, my family and my social worker to set out a plan. The plan would allow my new ubu enabling team to come to work with me and get to know me. It was also my chance to get to know them too. They learned all about my routines, what I liked to do and what’s important to me. I was able to tell them that swimming is a big part of my life and something I do regularly with my mum. I love swimming but I’m also aware that my mum needs to be doing her own thing now too. ubu knew that this was a big step for me but they also understood how my family were feeling, especially my mum. I know that she was feeling scared that I was moving into my new home but happy for me to take this big step. My ubu team worked with me and my family so that I could get things in place and ready for the day I moved in. My stepdad started working on decorating the flat how I wanted it. I chose all the colours, along with the design. I was able to bring anything that I wanted from my house, which was great. As you can see from the pictures, there are a lot of medals as I am keen gymnast and I’m a member of the British Gymnastic Team.
I wanted my mum to be involved in my move and the ubu team encouraged this. So, my mum and I started to look at getting all the furniture - the new bed, sofa, TV and everything you need for your first home. I was excited and nervous all at the same time and I couldn’t believe it was finally happening. Bit by bit, it all started to come together.
Living in my new home
I signed my first tenancy agreement with the housing provider, with the support of mum and ubu. I felt so grown up. Before I knew it, it was MOVE IN DAY! Now, here I am in my very own flat with everything I have ever wanted. I could not have not done it without my family and ubu. I am so proud of myself for taking this big step in my life. My dream of having a place I can call my own home has finally come true. I have already started to learn the new skills I was so keen to try. I have discovered that I actually love doing my own laundry, but have found out that I hate hoovering!
I have made friends with the other people who live in the same building, and we regularly do things together. With the support I receive from ubu, I have even managed to get myself a job in the short space of time I have been here.
I am really proud of who I am becoming and want to thank ubu for enabling and encouraging me on my journey.
