After three years in Sussex, she returned to Lincolnshire to be closer to her ageing parents and to secure a place at a special school for her son. But private renting came with high costs and little stability. Then, early in 2025, the council called with unexpected news - her name was still on the housing list from years earlier and new properties were about to become available through Platform Housing. 

When she learned she’d been offered one of the brand-new homes, Rachel was overjoyed. “It felt like I’d won the lottery,” she recalls. “It happened so quickly, and I couldn’t believe what it would mean for us - lower bills, a home that was easier to manage, and a safe space for my son.” 
 
Her new home is modern, bright, and energy-efficient. Rachel has already noticed the difference in warmth and comfort, especially in the colder months. “The thermostat barely drops,” she laughs. “I’m looking forward to far better bills this winter.” More than anything, the move has given her and her son a fresh start — a place to feel safe, independent, and part of the community again. 

For Rachel, the move to her new home marked the end of years of uncertainty. As a single mum and full-time carer for her autistic teenage son, finding somewhere secure and affordable had been a challenge. She had previously fled an abusive marriage, relocating hundreds of miles away to keep her children safe.