Written by Judith Bradley - Accommodation Manager, Linen Court
Managing Linen Court means a lot to me. Every person who comes to us is going through something difficult. Many arrive at one of the lowest points of their lives, and that’s not something we ever forget.
Our staff are working in our clients’ home. Even though it’s temporary accommodation, it is still their home, and we are privileged to be part of that. We try to make each day feel as normal as possible. We often think, “If this was our own home, how would we want it to feel?” That’s the approach we take. We want it to feel calm, welcoming and homely, not cold or clinical.
Our team is incredibly resilient. Residents sometimes come in carrying a lot of emotional chaos, fear and uncertainty. The staff are steady in those moments. They help calm fears, offer reassurance, and make people feel welcome from the start. That’s not always easy, but they do it with care and professionalism. It means a lot when current and former residents tell us they have never felt as relaxed or as supported as they did in Linen Court. That tells me we are doing something right.
One resident really stands out to me. She came to us after experiencing trauma. She was very quiet and withdrawn at the beginning. Over time, we saw her confidence grow. She got a job, then moved into our move-on flats, and eventually secured her own tenancy. We worked hard to organise furniture for her so she could make it her own little palace. She has now passed her driving test and is looking forward to buying her first car. She still comes back to visit. Seeing her progress makes me so proud.
People often misunderstand homelessness and temporary accommodation. They don’t always see the strength it takes just to walk through the door and accept help. They don’t see the small steps that lead to big changes.
For me, managing this service is about giving people a safe place to reset, rebuild and move forward. It’s about treating people with respect in their own home and supporting them to believe that things can get better. And when you see that happen, it makes all the hard work worth it.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or in need of support, we’re here to help. Reach out to our 24/7 support line at 0800 171 2222 click here to learn more about the support we provide.