Home Ownership: Who Benefits?

Publish date: 22nd April 2016

To celebrate and support the campaign we thought we'd share a few brief case studies of some of those we've already been privileged to help move out of ATUs and into homes of their own using the unique Government approved HOLD (Home Ownership for people with Long-term Disabilities) model that we're here to support. Here's the last one, Karen's story...

Karen's Story

Name: Karen, 28 years old, who has Challenging Behaviour, Autism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder.

Dilemma:  Living in Winterbourne View when the Panorama story went out Karen moved to another ATU in 2011 when it closed, sadly this involved a shocking 490 mile round trip from the family whenever they wanted to see her. In total Karen spent almost 10 years of her life in assessment and treatment units...

Solution: A 3 bed semi-detached property located just a 20 minute walk from her family, Karen used some of her Winterbourne View compensation money to help with purchase costs.

Outcome:  For Karen the move's been extremely positive and, just two years later, she's already learnt new social skills through being a part of her local community and neighbourhood.

Quote: "Karen is one of the lucky ones. According to the Bubb report there are many who have not achieved this even though we are 2 years on. This outcome needs to be achieved for the majority and not just the few. All vulnerable people and their families need to have a voice that is heard". From Wendy, Karen's mum.

Karen's just one of over 1,200 people we've been able to help, sadly without new mortgage lending however we won't be able to help many more. We're very grateful for the current support of Reliance Bank, Newbury Building Society and Buckinghamshire Building Society but if you think your Bank or Building Society should also be providing HOLD mortgages why not get in touch with them right now to let them know? 

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