Stories

by Emmy Idaewor, student intern Sam* got in touch with HOS when she was staying with a friend who planned to move home. The past few years had been tumultuous for Sam. Her physical and mental health had declined leading to a change in her housing situation, and her...

Colin's story Colin contacted us through his support worker Dawn, from Sight Scotland Veterans. Colin had bilateral sight loss and his vision had started to deteriorate. Colin was living in a two-bedroom flat on the third floor in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, the...

James came to Housing Options Scotland for support earlier this year, at the recommendation of his mental health adviser. He had been sofa surfing since the beginning of the pandemic, mostly between his parents’ respective homes. Difficulties with his mental health...

David and his wife were living in East Renfrewshire, with their son Adam living nearby. Adam has Down Syndrome, significant health conditions and was living in Supported Accommodation. With Adam settled living independently, David and his wife decided to downsize and...

Robert and Shirley Nicholson* (*names changed) were supposed to be enjoying their retirement when a new neighbour’s antisocial behaviour started making them feeling unsafe in their home. “Someone had tried to break into our house in the early hours of the morning....

Alexander is an armed forces veteran who came to Housing Options Scotland for advice earlier this year. He had been sofa surfing on and off for almost 13 years and had been trying to find accommodation that was secure. “I was sleeping between a couple of friends’...

Sandra, a lady in her 70s, approached Housing Options Scotland as she had fallen into financial difficulties – including mortgage arrears - after her husband had sadly passed away. Sandra was struggling with debt and her home was at risk of being repossessed. Sandra...