Starts at Home- Kelly house

At mhs, we’re supporting the Starts at Home campaign to emphasise the crucial role of supported housing in the UK. Supported housing is a lifeline for thousands of people across the UK including homeless people, older people, people with disabilities, or with mental health issues, people who have experienced domestic abuse and many others. 

Sharon Brown lives in one of our supported housing projects in Rochester. "Living here has given me support but it’s also given me opportunities, without it my life would have been quite different.” 

A safe haven  

Our supported housing projects are more than just a place to live. They are a safe space where people can grow in confidence and regain their independence.  

Sharon's journey with mhs homes began in 2018. She’d been living in a flat and feeling very isolated, partly because of a visual impairment. Sharon had previously spent many years travelling and living in different communities throughout the Middle East, so she was unhappy to find herself living alone and struggling with her eyesight.  

Being given the opportunity to move into one of our supported living schemes offered Sharon a renewed sense of independence.  

"It’s given me a new lease of life,” she said. “I never thought I’d be able to take on things like gardening projects, especially with my eyesight, but with the support I found here, it's become a reality.” 

Support in our projects is tailored depending on people’s individual needs and residents can engage as much, or as little as they choose " It’s great because you can be around others as much as you want,” said Sharon "There’s always someone to talk to but you have your own space too. It’s the best of both worlds.” 

A supportive community 

Sharon is quick to praise her support workers and fellow residents who have been so helpful to her. "The staff organise coffee mornings so we can get together and have a chat, and once a month, we meet to discuss any issues or ideas we may have or things we’d like to change." 

Being given a voice in decisions that matter is important to Sharon. "I feel confident to have my own say and I feel safe to do that - with my vision impairment that’s really made a difference to me," she said. 

Sharon's story demonstrates the importance of supported housing in empowering individuals to live independently and contribute positively to their communities. It’s an example of how supported housing can transform lives, providing not only a roof over someone’s head but also a nurturing environment for personal growth.