We recently visited one of our supported housing schemes in Hitchin for a photoshoot.
During our visit, we were lucky enough to be invited into Anita’s flat which is kept beautifully clean and pristine, making it an ideal flat to showcase the scheme.
Anita has a mild learning disability and has support from staff to manage her finances. She moved out of her parents' home around three and a half years ago, as she wanted to have more independence and the freedom to express herself.
She told us that she loves having her own flat where she has privacy and enjoys creating her routine, making the flat her own, and being able to express herself through her passion for fashion. She loves to cook and her favourite dish to make is beef curry.
Anita’s link worker has supported her with importing Victorian-style dresses that are handmade in America and Anita now has quite a collection of vintage dresses.
Anita loves trains and has been working as a cleaner for Thames Link for a number of years. She recently won an award for “always doing right at work” and shared that her colleagues affectionately call her “Lady Anita.”
Anita’s passions don’t stop there – she also has a strong interest in the Titanic and has even built her own Titanic model. Although, when asked her thoughts on the blockbuster film, she told us that Kate Winslet’s dress wasn’t quite to her taste and not what she would have chosen for her to wear!
Anita told us: “I’m ever so grateful to Hightown and especially to my link worker who has supported me with applying for Universal Credit. I have the freedom to be myself here and wear the clothes that I want to wear, without judgement. I would be lost without the support from Hightown’s staff and I am so happy living here.”
Hortense, Scheme Manager commented: “Anita is kind, committed and an inspiration to those around her. She has shown that if you believe in yourself and work hard at something you can achieve your dreams. Thank you, Anita for being you”.
