I have lived experience of housing instability, moving between Airbnbs, temporary accommodation and short-term accommodation stays. I know first-hand the importance of having a home that is secure, stable, and that you can truly call your own, and the difference this makes to wellbeing, safety and belonging.

I am an autistic speaker, trainer and writer, and my work is rooted in both my lived experience and my belief in the importance of listening to people who have direct experience of housing and support systems. I believe people should have real influence in shaping the support they receive and the systems around them.

On 11th July, I will be walking 20 miles from Eastbourne to Lewes as part of Hike4Homes to raise funds for Zetetick Housing. I’m taking on this challenge to help support positive change and to raise awareness of how important it is for people to have the right home that fits around them as individuals.

Too often, people can sometimes be moved between a series of short-term accommodation stays as though they are parcels, rather than individuals with preferences, rights and aspirations. I believe that having a stable home where control, choice and consent are central can make a real difference to someone’s sense of belonging and dignity. Behind every home is a person with hopes, ambitions and a future that matters.

As a Zetetick Housing tenant and co-founding member of the Tenant Ambassador programme, I am passionate about ensuring that people with lived experience help shape housing and support in meaningful ways. Any donation, whatever the amount, will help support this work. Thank you for reading and for your support.