A new housing development in North Devon has given a young family the opportunity to have a secure home.
Shannon Philpott, 24, was living with her parents but due to space used the sitting room as a bedroom while expecting her daughter Ava.
She contacted her local council who referred her to LiveWest to see if they could help her find suitable accommodation. When a place became available, Shannon moved into Bowering Court, our supported housing scheme for young people aged 18 to 25.
Shannon connected with our Support Worker, Amanda Bailey, who gave her guidance and support during the transition into supported housing.
Shannon Philpott said: “I moved in when Ava was about two months old but Amanda has given me many open opportunities. We had meetings every week where she would help me look for homes. She helped me move in and apply for grants, so I wasn’t struggling.
“If there was a letter that came through or a bill or something that I didn’t understand she was really supportive and gave me that help if I didn’t understand. She made me aware of that and said ‘if there is anything else you’re unsure about, just give me a knock and I can give you a hand’.
“This has given me a chance to get a house because if it wasn’t for supported housing, I would still be at my mum and dad’s because I know how hard it is to get a house.
“I’m always going to be forever grateful for how LiveWest, but particularly Amanda, has helped me.”
She has since applied and moved into a LiveWest home built nearby in Yelland, which consists of 22 homes with a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent homes and she is pleased to have the space for her growing family.
With the new addition of Archie-Christopher born in February, the quiet scheme and private garden gives Shannon the security she needs, and Amanda can still call in for a cup of tea.
Shannon said: “It’s been a lot better because Ava has her own bedroom this time. I feel that it gives me more independence and it’s a home. A house is a home, but it depends on who lives in the house to make it a home and we’ve been able to do that here.
“So as much as I’m grateful for living at Bowering Court, I’m grateful to also move on. It’s nice and quiet here and out the way but it’s not near any busy roads and it’s a really nice neighbourhood too.
“If anything, I’m always going to be forever grateful and there is nothing I will be able do to show how grateful I am. LiveWest has not only done it for me but for my little girl and boy too.”