Most of you know that my middle son was jailed for 3 months. Previously he’d been in supported housing whilst he was looking for work etc. He was released the other day and obviously that housing is no longer there for him. He managed to sleep on a friends sofa that night. Yesterday he spent nearly all day at the offices of this Housing Trust, trying to arrange new accommodation, even if just a room as before. After hours and hours, and sitting around in a park outside waiting for a phone call he was told he wasn’t a priority, despite being stabbed last year and suffering from extreme anxiety, and being on various medications. His previous key support worker even rang the local council to plead his case but they wouldn’t budge.
He went back in and said he literally had nowhere to go and would probably end up sleeping rough on a bench in the park and they just said ok stay safe!!!
He’s rang me this morning - he actually slept in someone’s garden under a bush last night, in the rain. I’m absolutely shell shocked.
And before everyone says oh put him on a train here that’s not what I’m asking. My question is can the council literally say to someone tough luck - go and sleep in a park??
What if it was winter?
Anyone with any experience/advice in this area I would be incredibly grateful.
Guys if I read it back myself then yes it does sound a bit mad, but that’s what happened. Anyway, he’s getting sorted now. Just spoke to him again and he sounds brighter.
Smowball is there any reason you could not have got him into a Travel Lodge yourself? Like paid for it over the phone and told him to get himself there instead of relying on social services or whatever?
Can you not blame people for wondering if all your stories are a bit on the embellished side? You come on with immensely distressing situations but never get back with updates. Yes -its your business, but if you share these stories into a public domain do you not think it would be polite to add the outcome?. The last we heard of this son he was on life support after being stabbed -I'm glad he recovered and hope he can get help for his addictions. I think he needs to do a lot more than 'grow up' though and I hope you can find the strength to support him.
Ummmmm my mistake then, I thought he was an addict that's why she did not want to give him a bed at home. To be honest there is that much that has happened with her family I've lost count. Dreadful situation.