Testimonials archive | Albany Housing Trust

I first met AR & SM, part of the original four which also included DB and VM after being saved from a temporary placement. They accepted me and my partner and provided us with shared accommodation in a clean and tidy house. Albany then moved to a bigger premises in Norbury with more staff all which i say were always friendly and helpful. I also made friends with JS (my old housemate) who is now a very good friend of mine. The people at Albany have helped me so much I will never be able to thank them enough. I suffer from progressive MS and suffer with pain and depression. They have always been patient with me when down and always helped cheer me up. I have since moved into Godalming to a two bedroom ground floor flat. This I'm so grateful for as I hate living in London. They will always be my life long friends. One last thing I will say to all Albany clients is don't be like me, never give up. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. THANK YOU everyone - DG DG I am very grateful for the support that was provided to me by AHT. I was with Albany for a few months roughly being 8 and I was allocated a supportive key worker from the start. My key worker explained the process of housing to me and supported me throughout the process which built my trust in her. I trusted her advice and went on viewings all whilst keeping in communication during every step. I had no issues communicating with my key worker and at times despite the PRS properties not being to my standard I try not let it deter me from keeping persistent and still showing up. My key worker was very helpful throughout the process from viewing to application forms and moving. I found Albany support useful and when I finally got a call for a property that I liked I was not only anxious but also excited. Albany congratulated me and supported me with my transition. I am now in a studio of my liking and working part time job, only months after being with Albany. AHT have supported me when no one else was around and have all been respectful and understanding. I would stay in touch with AHT because the work they do really changes lives, and I am one of them. PK I am finishing my NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing in 2 weeks. I will be having a break for a month before starting my NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Barbering. I am also applying for part time jobs. I feel good and I have enjoyed it. I used to get funny around people especially when I feel threatened, but I am much better now. Albany has kept me safe in my surroundings, I am not lonely, and I feel wanted. They care a lot. Even the new members of the staff team remember my name and that’s nice. AH For decades I have been trying to break through homeless. Jacuqueline has been pivotal in helping me live independent. KV I previously referred to Albany Housing Trust a year ago as I found myself in a dark place of my life. Everything seemed impossible and couldn’t find a way out. But in the process of being helped by the lovely people of Albany I have actually seen the light and realised that things can get better. A lot better infact! I have in the last six months qualified as a hairdresser and am going on to stay for level 3 and beyond. I feel very proud of myself and grateful for all the support I’ve had from Albany Housing Trust. AH I have been with Albany Housing Trust for around 2 years now, Albany have assisted me in applying for PIP to which I have now received my mobility car. This is not only what they have helped me with. They have given me support with prior debts, health appointments and with my family. They have all been fantastic. DG 'Thanks for supporting me in the past two years with my accommodation passport and visa. I'm very grateful for the support I have received from the team along with the hard work for the community. God bless. I especially want to say thank you to Sacha for all her help in getting my travel document/s. I have been waiting a long time for it to arrive and now I can finally go and see my mother in France. I finally got it and I feel amazing'. Thank you FG I first wish to thank the company (Albany Housing Trust) for such a nice event in the office. The event was well organised and was an great opportunity to meet others. It's been great to be housed by such good and supportive staff of Albany especially with the support they give to us. This event took me back home when all the family came together on an occasion in which I have not had that opportunity for a long time. I would recommend anyone to Albany. I wish to say again a big thanks for allowing me to be there. KT I had an enjoyable time especially seeing everyone, we had a decent meal and got to take some home. I thoroughly enjoyed the table tennis. I’m looking forward to the next one. LS I attended the St Patricks Day event at the office, it was very enjoyable, very good in fact and the food was lovely. I absolutely loved the snooker and didn’t want to get off it and also the table tennis. It was nice getting together and seeing other people and all the staff. Overall a very enjoyable day. SS ‘I moved from a different housing provider to Albany Housing Trust, Albany made the whole experience of moving stress free and they helped me sort out my bills to ensure that I could live independently in the future. Any enquiries I had were dealt with swiftly. Albany Housing Trust provided me with volunteer opportunities to help keep me busy, this also helped with my mental health. DB and AR surprised me on my 30th birthday with a cake and balloons. I have now received my council self-contained accommodation, I will be forever grateful for the support and advice I received whilst at Albany Housing Trust. Thank you to all at Albany.’ KS We are very proud that AS has successfully moved on from Albany Housing Trust to his own self contained property. He has also started his own business; a barber shop, he has very kindly offered AHT clients £5 concession haircuts as well as offering free haircuts to Albany service users during Covid.Thank you Ayoub and good luck in your new home and with your new business. AS I have made some big and major steps since joining Albany Housing Trust, when I joined them I was homeless. Since being housed with Albany Housing Trust I have been given the opportunity to embark on painting volunteer work, I absolutely love painting especially when the job is completed and you get to see the satisfaction on everyone's face, it definitely boosts morale. My focus is to get back to working in full time employment. Anonymous Albany staff are brilliant people; I really wouldn’t be where I am right now without the support from them, and I am very grateful for all the help I have received over my time at Albany Housing Trust MN Since joining Albany Housing Trust in October 2019 Ayoub has completed an ESOL Course and has been in his Voluntary work placement for over 1 year and is now a qualified barber. AS has progressed through the service from a 4 bed to a self contained property and is now ready to leave supported accommodation. “Albany Housing Trust are great, I have come such a long a long way”. AS As someone who suffers from mental health, World mental health day is so important, it raises awareness of mental health. Mental health is not always obvious unless we talk about it, we can hide it with a smile. AS JJ came to Albany in August 2018 as he found himself with nowhere to live after the breakdown of his relationship. JJ had started to self medicate with alcohol and drugs because he did not have a suitable and steady accommodation. JJ Albany are great, very supportive. Love Albany Staff. They are great. The girls are great always ringing to check up on me. DF After 18 months with Albany Housing Trust AF handed back his keys and moved into his own accommodation. We are so proud of you AF and wish you happiness in your new home. AF said ‘ Without the help from the whole team at Albany Housing I have little doubt that I would be back to homelessness by now. It has taken less than a year and a half form them taking me under their wing to me being given my own flat with Croydon Council. I really cannot give any higher praise, to everyone on their team, they have all been nothing short of amazing AF “I was homeless, sleeping rough before I was put in contact with Albany Housing Trust. I was interviewed by staff who were very welcoming. I was offered a house share. I couldn’t believe the size of the room and property. I have been so happy with the service, house and experience. I’m very fortunate to be in such a positive position, with good back-up and support.” CS Thank you Card Received from AM's Family. To The Staff at Albany Housing, We thank you all for your loving support you have given AM. May god continue to bless each and every one of you and your organisation. From AM Family AM Family Volunteering has been such a rewarding experience for me. I enjoy taking on different tasks that people assign to me – I’m always up for anything. I’m a practical person, so I love getting things done and seeing progress. It not only helps those around me but also clears my mind and keeps me busy, which I find really fulfilling. Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose, and I’m happy to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. JC Just wanna say a huge thank you for all the support & caring & putting up with me You will never know how greatfull I am Thank you again SS GOOD MORNING 🌹 AND HAPPY FRIDAY. I just wanted to leave a little message to Say a big THANK YOU 🌹 for All your support patience and understanding. You really are a great support worker. I always feel better once I see you. When I worry about something, you always reassure me and you always treat me with respect. 🌹🌹🌹 SR Afternoon I'm just writing few words on my testimonial on what Albany have done for me. Honestly they accepted me when most Housing Association rejected me. Things are changing in industry HA closing down. Albany are still trying to be true to there words in Conflicting environment of rules and government policy. They provided what I needed a safe place. They will try, for most of us that's what we need, sure they can improve, can't we all?! Well I am here decided to help aswell try. definitely improving environment. All the best in everything peace and love. DN I am a vulnerable adult. I was referred to Albany by single person's homeless services. I was called into the Albany office for an assessment and was told that they would be able to help me. I was later called by a senior member of staff from Albany Housing Trust to inform me that a property had become available. As I have communication issues, I accepted. I am very happy with the accommodation. I have my self-contained flat. Living here is good. I never had support before living here, so I am grateful. I find the team very helpful and reliable and always willing to help. I know I can always turn up to the office and will never be turned away. If my support worker is off, someone is always willing to help me no matter what my problem may be. The Albany staff are always consistent and faithful. JH I was stuck, confused and I did not know what to do. I approached NSTO, CRISIS and MIND in Croydon, At this time I was half and half on the streets and at A&E in Croydon University Hospital, I was then found by NSTO they gave me three nights. In the process I was still trying to find somewhere. Thames Reach referred me to AHT. I was happy when I got a place. I have where I am now and I am alright. I still have my issues however I am near to the office and can pop in and have a chat whenever I feel like it. JC It’s been 4 weeks without substances. I’m taking my vitamins. I’ve returned to church. I am playing badminton and I’m studying literature. Albany Housing Trust has been so helpful in fulfilling my goals and I feel brilliant. JH I did work experience at Albany in July. Coming to the office I sensed a pleasant working experience and the team were extremely welcoming. I developed a myriad of different skills especially communication with others and my confidence. This experience has taught me to put others first and become more self aware. KA In May, I volunteered to do work experience at Albany Housing Trust. I was nervous to start but the team were extremely welcoming and accommodating. I was presented with various challenges with assistance from everyone helping expand my knowledge and increase my confidence. All-round working at AHT had been a real pleasure and a brilliant learning experience for me. AM I was in a terrible situation. Homeless for a long time. I was sleeping rough in my vehicle. I just needed help also lost my older brother last year in November. I was referred to Albany and I was happy that they took both my dog and the dog that belonged to my brother that had passed away as I promised him I would take care of them. I am okay in my room now and settling in. The only drawback is the parking but I'll get it sorted. MM The short time I have spent at The Albany Housing Trust doing my work experience has been a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. I have learnt so much from all of the staff here who have been very accommodating and have taken their time to explain how everything here works. I have enjoyed experiencing a career I would possibly like to pursue in the future and have gained much insight into how the housing sector works. Everybody here has been so kind to me and inspiring and made sure I was comfortable with the work I was doing. To conclude, my experience has been very insightful and enjoyable and I look forward to helping out here again in the future. ED I love Albany Housing Trust, you have helped my son when no one else would. I was so worried about him and I honestly thought he would die until he was placed by you. All the staff at Albany are god sent and I personally want to thank the man on the motorbike for moving him into his new home, it's beautiful. Mrs S You need to want a change in life for that to happen. When I came to Albany I was down in the dumps. Now a few months have gone by and things are getting easier in my life. Albany are good people. I am feeling alot better in my life compared to six months ago. Thank you. MW Hi - I got this diary for my Support & Housing Worker because I wanted to tell her thank you for all the support she has given and to let her know that she is appreciated. SR Since I have been getting help from Albany Housing I have a lovely flat, the staff are very supportive, I have gained a lot more confidence and i do not feel i would be here if it was not for them. a very helpful and great team. I AM A HAPPY BUNNY. NS "I am the king of pool at Albany Housing Trust all day 16th Feb 2023" SP Hi Reader, My name is AB and I came to Albany Housing Trust in May 2020 after being homeless and severely attacked whilst on the streets, I was also an alcoholic. The support I received from these kind ladies helped save my life. I have been sober for 18 months and am back in contact with my son. I want to say a huge Thank you to Albany Housing!!! AB Albany Housing Trust’s Jubilee Game Party was a very enjoyable afternoon. It was so nice to be able to interact with the other residents, just made me feel included in the celebration, where if I was not at the event, I would have stayed at home on my own. Being able to play some games, blackjack with Sacha, even when I did keep on beating her, and winning the hamper was a bonus. I never win anything; I called my children, and they were so surprised I won. There were everyday essentials and a few luxury items which just made me feel special. I can't wait for the next event to be able to come together and enjoy another afternoon with the lovely people of Albany Housing Trust. J I loved the event, I loved seeing everyone. I really appreciate that this was put on for us. I cannot wait for the next one! SR The event was brilliant I had such an amazing time playing dominos, pool, meeting and engaging with other service users. The food was nice however, it was the ambience and united support of Albany staff towards us service users reminding us that we are not alone on our journey for secure, safe, and supported housing. Gwaan Albany!! AM The event was interesting, it was out of my comfort zone but I enjoyed it. It was very good day, I got beaten in snooker by a member of staff, only once though. I want a re-match at the next event. SP Before joining Albany, I suffered from low self-esteem, started to feel like less of a person and losing my independence, until I met Albany Housing, this became a blessing to me, improved my health. Staff at Albany Housing are very supportive, people persons, people who are professionals, they do their job professionally. What I have to say today is thank god to Albany housing, I wish other people with housing needs are referred to Albany Housing, they will find comfort, they will find respect and they will find full support. Albany housing have turned my life around, from the time I came into Albany Housing and they gave me a place. Albany Housing staff are a team, they are elegant, they are amazing, they are wonderful. I cannot explain more of what they are, they are above all. I am very very pleased to be with Albany housing CR I arrived at Albany Housing Trust in August 2018. I was sofa surfing prior to coming here as I had lost my previous accommodation. Whilst at Albany, I lived in shared houses before settling into a studio property which I was very happy to have been given as I know longer needed to share with anyone. During my time at Albany the staff were very helpful, supportive and went beyond to ensure that I was okay and understood my needs. Although I am sad, I am not with Albany anymore, I have now moved into my own council property and have learnt things that I can take away with me. I want to say thank you to all the staff at Albany who have supported me on my journey. JJ ‘SAE joined us in 2019, she has now successfully found a full time job and has secured her own council tenancy. SAE is very thankful to all Albany Housing Trust staff for the support.’ SAE Albany Housing Trust helped me to move into a safe and comfortable environment, before, I was all over the place now being with Albany has allowed me to concentrate and focus on my future much more as I feel more stable. The people that work for Albany Housing Trust are fantastic, they work within your needs and understand, they work as if you are their family’. MS Meet JH, who joined Albany Housing Trust in June of 2020 and moved into one of our four-bedroom male accommodations, he quickly settled in and formed strong bonds with his housemates. JH sadly lost his job as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and was left sleeping in his car. Since joining Albany Housing JH has managed to secure a full-time job and has since found a private rented accommodation in Thornton Heath. He thanks Albany Housing Trust for all the support he received, we wish him all the best in his future endeavours. JH Albany have really helped me, they are so supportive. I started in a 4 bedroom shared property now I am living in a 1 bedroom flat by myself; this is all thanks to Albany. I am so happy at Albany because of them I am living independently.. AI