Sign of the times

[Paul Mobbs]

http://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/news/10565649.Homeless_woman_with_learning_difficulties__Asperger_syndrome_forced_to_live_in_tent/

Homeless woman with learning difficulties, Asperger syndrome forced to live in tent



8:50am Wednesday 24th July 2013 in News


Buy this photo »
 Living in a tent: Joelle Fletcher in her makeshift home 

 A HOMELESS woman with learning difficulties has been forced to live in a tent for the last three weeks after being denied council accommodation. 

 Joelle Fletcher, 25, who also suffers from Asperger syndrome and severe depression, has been after suitable accommodation from Redditch Council for a number of years. 

 She has been offered hostels in Worcester, which she accepted and stayed in for four months, but because of her condition and the fact her support network is in Redditch, she was unable to remain in. 

 Speaking from her makeshift home in a friend’s garden in Church Hill, Ms Fletcher said: “What good is a hostel in Worcester for someone in my circumstances. 

 “I need a flat and must be near my support network, and support workers which are here in Redditch.” 

 She added: “The situation is getting ridiculous and is not helping my disorder. I find myself getting really upset.” 

 Ms Fletcher admitted that the ordeal has had an adverse affect on her depression and that she has recently started to self harm. 


 She said: “It would be hard enough for anyone to live in a tent but with my conditions it is even more of a problem. 

 “It is starting to get me down, it’s very stressful and just not very nice - especially when there is torrential rain and thunderstorms. 

 “I know there are flats available in Redditch and given how long I’ve been waiting and my circumstances I don’t think it’s that big an ask. Anywhere in the town will do, as long as I have my support network near me.” 

 A spokesman from Redditch Council said: “Ms Fletcher recently approached the council as homeless and we are currently investigating what, if any, duty she is owed and what support we are able to offer. 


Ads by Google
NS&I - Official site

100% security for your money. All investments backed by HM Treasury

nsandi.com
Sell Your House Fast

We'll Buy Your House in 7 Days. Cash Offers. Free Online Estimate.

www.QuickMoveNow.com



 “We expect to be able to advise her soon.” 

 He added that the council works with healthcare professionals and social services to ensure it offers appropriate accommodation and that the goal is to provide sustainable support that helps a person manage and deal with the factors that caused their homelessness in the first place.

8-o


P.

-- 

"We are not for names, nor men, nor titles of Government,
nor are we for this party nor against the other but we are
for justice and mercy and truth and peace and true freedom,
that these may be exalted in our nation, and that goodness,
righteousness, meekness, temperance, peace and unity with
God, and with one another, that these things may abound."
(Edward Burrough, 1659 - from 'Quaker Faith and Practice')

Paul Mobbs, Mobbs' Environmental Investigations
3 Grosvenor Road, Banbury OX16 5HN, England
tel./fax (+44/0)1295 261864
email - mobbsey at gn.apc.org
website - http://www.fraw.org.uk/mei/index.shtml
public key - http://www.fraw.org.uk/mei/mobbsey_public_key-2013.asc

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: application/x-ygp-stripped
Size: 155 bytes
Desc: This is a digitally signed message part
URL: <https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/private/diggers350/attachments/20130726/0213eda6/attachment.bin>