Surrinder's Story
I had a nice flat of my own with support provided. But I always felt like the support staff didn't have any time for me, so I started to live with a friend instead. This went on for some time until someone I knew who was living at Gharana told me what Gharana is all about. This is when I asked my CPN to refer me there for accommodation.
I moved to Gharana for a couple of years, and was supported daily by the staff there. They met with me every day and ensured that I kept to a routine of cleaning, cooking and bathing. Staff there also made me feel like I was normal just like everyone else, and helped me to learn to live independently.
Eventually I didn't require support from Gharana and we all agreed that it was time for me to move on into my own accommodation.Gharana staff helped me to set up my new home. It was really nice and homely. I had some floating support offered, but it didn't work out with them, and soon I was on my own again.
About six months later, because of how vulnerable I was, some people took advantage of me. They came into my house and started to live there. I was pushed out of my own home and started to sleep rough in the park. Eventually I ended up in hospital. After returning home from hospital my house was completely trashed with all my assets stolen.
Gharana staff heard what had happened to me and and got in touch with my CPN and explained that I probably needed long term supported housing. Gharana staff were very concerned and cared about what I was going through - I was living in a hostel again. I was so glad that they supported me to temporarily move back into Gharana until I could move in to one of Mind's long term flats.
Twice now in my life I have had support from Gharana staff to help me recover and to live as independently as possible. Thank you.