Life stories

We asked a few of the people who receive our support services to say a few words about their experiences. On this page:

• Ann explains how support from MBHA at Angela Way allowed her to have more quality time with daughters
• Ian tells how he felt as a young man who uses a wheelchair moving into his own home for the first time
• John discusses how the right support from MBHA helped him to live independently at Macelhose Court and find a way to communicate that allowed him to have greater control over his life.
• Petrus came to Scotland from South Africa and discusses his positive experience of respite at Raeden Court
• George explains how his lifestyle, self confidence  and worries about debt were changed positively when he moved in to Ballantrae Court
    

Ann - Angela Way, Uddingston

"I moved to Angela Way on 25th June 2001.  Since then my life has totally gone full circle.  The house has been fully adapted to suit all of my personal needs.  The fact that the shops are on my doorstep is a bonus.  Angela Way has a combination of tenants ranging from children to the elderly, with varied needs.

Before Housing Support my two daughters shared the responsibility of making sure everything was as it should be with regard to the upkeep of my home.  When they visited we were never able to share quality time together as they spent most of the time helping with cleaning.  Now it is a joy when they visit as we are able to spend time doing things like going out for lunch, to the pictures or shopping.  It also gives them peace of mind to know that someone is calling in on me a couple of days per week for a few hours at a time. The Support Worker I have has now become a friend not only to myself but also the rest of the family. 

I have recently had a new kitchen fitted and am absolutely delighted with the difference it makes to the look of my home.  I am really happy with my Margaret Blackwood flat."
    

Ian - Charleston, Dundee

"My first tenancy and first time without mum and dad as I was moving from home to my first bachelor pad.  As a wheelchair user and a young adult/teenager, this was a big challenge... Without the support offered and given to me, I would not have taken this big leap. 

I did not have that much confidence on arrival into Blackwood Court but all that has changed as I have been given the opportunity to make my own decisions and to work towards and live my dreams.  I am currently doing a full-time course for the 2nd year running. I also manage my own finances with a little support and I get some support with my household tasks.

The one feeling that is most important is the knowledge that the support staff are there to support, advise and assist as and when I need them and I continue to benefit from this. I look forward to a fulfilling future, one that allows me to realise my dreams."
   
  

John - Maclehose Court, Greenock

"I have Cerebal Palsy and have no verbal communication... Over the years I have had a few keyworkers. They have all helped me to find myself in one way or another. [After moving to Maclehose Court] I soon had a board with different symbols and could make myself understood quite well. I also had my own bank account and went out shopping...

I have to be assisted with meals but this does not stop me going out for lunch or dinner. Staff are always happy to escort and assist. I also love the food on offer here in the unit. The chef Martin has a great choice of veggie recipes...

Since I moved to Maclehose Court I have a better quality of life and have all the independence I need. I feel I have been able to prove that from being labelled as someone who could not be educated, with hard work and support anything is possible."
  
  

Petrus - Raeden Court, Aberdeen

"We recently moved from South Africa and [Raeden Court] was my introduction to respite care facilities in Scotland. I have been in respite care in South Africa before, but the experiences have little in common. The room at Raeden Court is much larger compared to what I am used to. The facilities in the room are impressive...

The first thing that struck me was that everybody was happy. Each resident had a special need that the staff attended to in a loving caring way. And yet the staff are equally available for everybody. They even spent time preparing a special double straw for me to use to sip liquids. The examples are countless. Friendly bantering amongst the staff and residents continues throughout. Everybody joins in and laughs.

The second thing that stood out during my five-day visit was the way Raeden Court is managed. I was used to places with rigid routines that residents had to adhere to. Contrary to a "boot camp" approach... the freedom to choose your own routine makes for the relaxed atmosphere amongst residents, but I also have the sense that this level of care is maintained only through the depth of the commitment on the part of the staff."
  

George - Argyle Street, Glasgow

"I have been a resident MBHA since February 2004. Before this I stayed in hostels, including Bell St and the Red Cross, since my mid twenties. It was about September 2004 that I met Anne Marie and MBHA staff members and was given the support to help me with different things.

One major change that happened was my benefits doubled when MBHA staff filled out the forms and represented me at a tribunal. I was also given DLA. Having more money has meant I can do a lot more than I ever could, especially with the help and support I get from Margaret Blackwood staff. I have a bank card account, which I have never had before. I also have a passport and hope to travel to America to visit Graceland as I like Elvis.

Before I got help with my money I was in a lot of debt with my rent as I was getting the wrong benefit, council tax, gas and electricity. Now I no longer fear any bills coming through the door - it is now the opposite.

I now get out about 2-3 times a week for lunch and shopping which I couldn't do without the help I get. I feel more confident knowing that I can get help making phone calls or filling in forms if I need it."