Paul's story

Paul came to Transform Housing & Support after splitting up with his previous partner. He had been working to support children from two relationships, providing income for both households.

"To be honest, I am not very good with paperwork and numbers, so I naively trusted my partner to pay all the bills. Eventually I found myself in huge debts, which I did not create. I ended up financially bankrupt and also suffered mental health problems."

Paul moved in with his aunt in Woking, who gave him information about Transform's supported housing.

"I got lucky and moved into a Transform flat in Woking in December the same year. When I arrived I brought not only my personal belongings but also five debts. These ranged from electricity debts, to the bond for a flat where I no longer lived."

Paul's keyworker Pavel supported him to deal with his debts. Paul made regular payments to start paying off the money he owed - but the amount he could pay was limited by his small income. 

"At the end of last year we approached the MP for Woking, Jonathan Lord, for help with my last two debts with West Devon Borough Council. Mr Lord wrote a very supportive letter to the council explaining my individual circumstances and asked them to consider writing off my debts. To my keyworker’s and Mr Lord’s surprise, both debts were written off. After one year with Transform, and a lot of hard work, I finally found myself free of debts!"

Paul now feels a lot more positive about his situation and is looking to the future.

"My mental health has improved greatly. I am focusing on finding some part-time work in the Woking area to bring more structure in my life and to help me prepare myself for the future in independent accommodation. I would like to thank Transform for supporting me in the worst period of my life. I am grateful for the fact that such an organisation exists. And thanks to Transform’s dedicated staff, who work so hard and who gave me so much help to turn my life in a more positive direction."