In 2019, Creating Change Housing Management (CCHM) were approached by an individual seeking housing and support for his brother, Jason Lewington, who had fallen into difficult circumstances.
This is Jason’s story of how with the right support, guidance and housing he was able to transform his life and opportunities.
Jason, aged 51, was born in Liverpool, where he still resides today. In the years prior to his involvement with CCHM, Jason enjoyed a happy life: a family, a home and a successful career and job that he had worked hard to achieve.
In 2012, Jason’s life was irrevocably changed when his Father passed away in front of him. Jason struggled to cope with the death of his Father and a few years later, tragedy struck the family once again when his Mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only fourteen months to live. After a four-year battle, Jason’s Mother sadly passed away.
Within four weeks of his Mother’s death, one of Jason’s older brothers died suddenly. Jason’s grief was unbearable, leaving him unable to process or cope with the loss of so many loved ones. In a bid to blur the pain he felt, Jason’s alcohol and drug abuse worsened. He was now misusing both on a daily basis.
The situation was becoming fatal, and his brother knew that he had to act fast to intervene and ensure Jason had access to the support he urgently needed. Jason’s brother searched online for organisations that could provide the housing and support Jason required in Liverpool. It was during this online search that he came across CCHM.
Having been introduced to CCHM through his brother, Jason found himself presented with new opportunities to better his life and circumstances. He was introduced to the development and support programme established by CCHM and our partner organisations (housing developers and housing associations/registered social landlords). Collectively, we work to positively impact the lives of the most vulnerable members of society, delivering housing, support and educational opportunities to ensure everybody has a chance to better their lives.
With our continued support, Jason has been able to focus on his physical and mental health, build confidence and address and overcome his issues. Jason has recently expressed interest in completing training and educational programmes available via the multi-agency approach of our partner organisations. From discussions with his support worker, Jason has shown interest in developing computer skills with the long-term goal of working in the information technology industry or within a customer service role. At CCHM, it is our mission to support Jason as he makes these goals and future plans a reality.
Jason’s support worker, xxx, stated: “Jason has made significant improvements during his time with us. He has continued to progress in all areas of his support plan and is working hard to regain his independence and live with his daughters once again. Jason is a pleasure to work with and is always engaging and willing to participate in our weekly support sessions. He is attentive and takes all information, advice and guidance on board. As much as Jason will be missed, I can see him gaining permanent employment and moving on to independent living and housing in the near future”.
- JASON LEWINGTON
Amanda Trent, Regional Housing Manager at CCHM, said: “Jason is one of our shining stars. His experiences over the last couple of years illustrate that support and help is out there for individuals facing hardships and difficult times in their lives. It has been a pleasure for CCHM to work with Jason since 2019 and support his needs as he rebuilds his life and works towards a more fulfilling and independent future”.
Amanda Trent, Regional Housing Manager at CCHM, said: “Jason is one of our shining stars. His experiences over the last couple of years illustrate that support and help is out there for individuals facing hardships and difficult times in their lives. It has been a pleasure for CCHM to work with Jason since 2019 and support his needs as he rebuilds his life and works towards a more fulfilling and independent future”.
Until 2012 when my Father died in front of me and my world changed forever, I had a normal life: a family, a home and a good job. I struggled with the death of my Father and a couple of years later, my Mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only 14 months to live. At this point, I hit rock bottom and turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. After a four-year battle with cancer, my Mother sadly passed away. Four weeks later, one of my brothers died suddenly, and I couldn’t cope with the loss of so many of my loved ones. My abuse worsened and I was misusing alcohol and drugs on a daily basis.
CCHM have been brilliant and supported me every step of the way. The team are only ever a phone call away and that is so reassuring. I have a great relationship with all of the staff, and I cannot praise them enough for the support and guidance they have given me.
When I requested that CCHM locate a property close to my brother, the team did everything in their power to guarantee I was able to live close by. They knew it was so important to me that I lived close to him and had his support each day, so they pulled out all of the stops to make this happen. I am so grateful for this. It has definitely stopped me from falling back into my old ways.
It is my goal to be independent again and have my own home where my daughters can live. Recently, my support worker discussed training opportunities that I am definitely interested in. I have mentioned that I would like to develop IT skills.
