Asma’s story

I became homeless when my landlady retired and sold the house I’d lived in for four years. And because of the Covid-19 lockdown, I also lost my job. It was only a zero hour contract job in retail, but I loved the excuse to meet people and stay busy.

It wasn’t just a matter of putting a roof over my head: they helped me regain my self-esteem, my smile, and my mental health, too.

Suddenly, I found myself jobless, with no money, no home and my mental health deteriorating. I was referred to The Forward Trust by Tower Hamlets Council, through the ‘No First Night Out’ scheme, and was appointed a Forward caseworker, Eric. I feel lucky to have had his support; he was there for me at all times, even if I called late on a Friday, and always had some calming words and advice to make me feel better when I was struggling.

With Forward’s support, it took just eight days to find a place that is now my home. And it wasn’t just a matter of putting a roof over my head: they helped me regain my self-esteem, my smile, and my mental health, too. I’m so grateful to the Housing and Resettlement Team at The Forward Trust for all they’ve done for me. I now look forward to the future.