When her landlord sold the property she was living in, Chrissy was left in a precarious situation. A Facebook ad led her to the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate and transformed her life.
“After working in retail for brands like Frasers, Lewis’s and Scotch House I changed careers, eventually becoming a mortgage broker and working in a partnership for ten years until the business was dissolved. At the time I was in my 50s and decided to go out on my own. The first year was a great success but in the second year there was a slump and I lost my home and everything I’d worked so hard for.
“I moved into private rented accommodation and started from scratch. I still had contacts in the industry but had to work until I was 70, when I finally retired. Then, the landlord sold the property I was living in, leaving me in a very tenuous position. I didn’t qualify for council accommodation and was told I could be sent to a homeless unit anywhere in Glasgow. I was so worried, which had a big impact on my mental health.
“My search for accommodation led me to a Facebook ad for the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate. I remember saying to my daughter that the chance of me getting anything on the estate was nil because it was such a long time since I’d worked in retail. But I called the number and left a message. Elaine, the estate manager, called me back and made an appointment for me to view the estate and two apartments the next day.
“I was totally astounded by the reception I received. The staff were so cheery and friendly and their willingness to help me was amazing. It felt like I was getting taken care of the minute I arrived.
“Of the two apartments one stood out, it was bright and airy and had a Juliet balcony.
A home for life
“Over a cup of tea and with help from staff, I completed the application. I was excited but also very nervous and emotional, I didn’t want to build my hopes up. Two days later, Elaine called to say the flat was mine. It was amazing to get the keys and know that this was my home for life. I moved in on 3rd May 2021 and I have never looked back.
“Living on the estate has enhanced my life to a degree I didn’t think was possible. It has given me peace of mind, safety, security and company. It’s such a relief to feel secure in my own home and not be responsible for repairs and upkeep, which can be very expensive, especially given the cost of living just now. The grounds and surroundings are peaceful, well maintained and welcoming. It’s a joy to live here, which only adds to my mental wellbeing.
“Being part of a community and lending a hand to people less able-bodied than myself has helped repair my self-respect and given me back my confidence. Before I hid my worries because I felt that no one wants to know about other people’s problems, but since coming here I can talk freely. There’s constantly staff on site so there’s always someone to listen, and I’m not left to cope alone.
“I’m always telling my story about living on the estate especially when I’m out shopping, as there are so many people who are in the same position I was in but are not aware of what the Retail Trust offers and the benefits available.”
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