50 Years, 50 Faces: Tammy

Tammy is a resident of our Supported Housing project; she found out about the project, and the many services it offers, through Pause, a charity who works with women who have had their children removed from their care. They aim to give women the opportunity to pause and take control of their lives breaking a destructive cycle that causes both them and their children deep trauma.

I found out about Supported Housing through Pause, who are another amazing charity. Without them, I wouldn’t have anywhere to live. I found both charities incredibly supportive. Pause have enabled me to stay in contact with my child and the Supported Housing team make it possible for me to do this through sending and receiving letters.

I have always lived in Newham, but found that the access to the help I needed wasn’t easy.

I was nervous when I first moved in, although the Supported Housing team have a very hands-on approach, but I didn’t know the other person who I was going to be living with. After a while, we became friends and three years ago, I was moved into my own space within the building. I’ve found that the more independence I gain, the more relaxed the team are with me because they know I am committed to bettering myself. I’m so much happier now.

Supported Housing have helped me massively, across the board. I find all of the staff supportive and their processes are amazing. Transitioning to new staff 18 months ago was hard, but now they’re all like family to me.

I had previously completed a business admin course, so the staff introduced me to the Training and Education project. I was supposed to start work in Newham University Hospital but because of COVID, it was delayed. That’s my next goal: to get work in the hospital. I just want to help people.

The Supported Housing project means everything to me; without them, I’d have nothing. I’d be on the streets. My key worker, Delia, is amazing.

Last year, we had a BBQ in the summer. Residents made all of the food and it really brought everyone together. I’d really like to get involved with more social opportunities and meet more the staff at the Renewal Programme, as well as volunteers and other residents.

I would love it if the Renewal Programme partnered with a counselling service; it’s always good to talk to people, isn’t it?

Tammy, Supported Housing resident

Tammy is one of the fifty residents we support through our Supported Housing project, which runs in two buildings located in the borough. The project is funded by the London Borough of Newham and has been running in various capacities since 1971.