Tony and Sarah had always dreamed of settling in Whitehouse, Milton Keynes, but with costly property sale prices, it seemed like an unattainable aspiration. The couple had spent many years renting homes, until they learned of Grand Union’s shared ownership scheme. Through shared ownership, they could afford a place of their own, in the estate they longed to live in…
Karen was living in a rented house in Luton, when she needed to take over the care of her grandson who lives with severe learning and sensory disabilities as well some physical disabilities “I loved my house, but it was so unsuitable for looking after my grandson. He has no concept of depth, so steps and stairs are a real…
Linda, 57, lives in Northamptonshire and has been a Grand Union customer for over 20 years. When a contractor came to her property in December 2019 to carry out some electrical work, Linda’s home was so cluttered, the contractor left without being able to do the work. Linda was referred to our Wellbeing & Support team, but then the pandemic…
Kaysey and Andrew, from Biggleswade, are full-time carers to their profoundly disabled daughters, Liyla, 10, and five-year-old Delcie. Their rented Grand Union home, where they also live with son Freddie, 11, and two dogs, is no longer fit for purpose, despite providing them happy memories for the past nine years. Liyla and Delcie are reliant on hoists, electric beds, a…
David, 69, was delighted to be given a home of his own in one of our supported schemes in St Albans, that was refurbished last year. He now has his own front door as well as a spacious bedroom, a modern open plan living room and kitchen and an accessible wet room. When David first moved to Upper Lattimore Road…
For years, devoted mum Emma had struggled helping her daughter Courtney, 10, with daily routines at their home in Deanshanger, Northamptonshire. Courtney was born with Bardet Biedl Syndrome – a genetic condition resulting in reduced mobility, obesity and learning difficulties. Due to her disability, Courtney needed her mum’s assistance to wash, go to the toilet and get down the stairs.…
Twelve months ago, 61-year-old Helen was sleeping on a corner of a sofa in a home that wasn’t fit to live in, due to a family member’s issues with their mental health and hoarding. Now Helen has a place of her own, one where she’s not embarrassed to have family round. Helen says: “I’d been in my last house about…
Kara and her son moved to their Grand Union home from a women’s refuge three years ago. Having been through some tough times, they were excited to finally have a place of their own. “At first I was happy, but then I went downhill. I was on Employment Support Allowance, then it was taken away from me. “The bills were…
Sian and her son Jacob live in a two bedroomed Grand Union home, in the pretty Bedfordshire village of Oakley, but 12 months ago it was a different story. Sian is a qualified midwife and is currently training to become a health visitor. Because she is studying, and not earning, Sian knew that renting a home privately would be out…
