For 21 years, Tracey lived in a firstfloor flat that slowly became impossible for her to manage. As her health and mobility declined, she felt trapped by the stairs. Every hospital visit meant being carried by ambulance staff, and the fear of what would happen in a fire left a lasting emotional toll.
After waiting 18 months for a suitable home, Tracey was offered an apartment at Amblecote Gardens in 2023 – a huge moment of hope. Her new flat needed adaptations so she could move around safely using her specialist bariatric wheelchair, and by May 2024 the works were complete. With wider doorways, an adapted patio door and an automatic gate, Tracey finally moved into a home that truly worked for her.
The change was immediate. She describes the freedom of being able to wheel herself around – and even outside – as “exhilarating and lifeenhancing.” She quickly made friends and loved chatting with neighbours in the lobby. But she couldn’t join them in the dining room or lounge because her wheelchair didn’t fit through the doorway. She often watched others head off to activities she couldn’t access.
The team at Amblecote Gardens knew how much this mattered to her and applied for funding to widen the communal doorway. The bid was successful, and by January 2026 the work was complete. That same month, Tracey wheeled herself into the dining room for lunch with her friends, smiling from ear to ear.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” she said. “This has changed my life. I don’t have to eat alone anymore, and I can join in activities.”
Since moving into Amblecote, Tracey says she no longer just exists – she lives. She feels valued, included and part of the community, and credits the Scheme Manager for keeping every promise and supporting her throughout.
Through genuine partnership working, ForHousing has helped create not just a home for Tracey, but a place where she can thrive. She’s happier, more independent, and finally in a home that meets every one of her needs.
