Malton supported housing charity say demand is increasing on services
Impact Living say lockdown has been challenging for them.
Impact Living in Malton say lockdown has affected their fundraising activities, as more people reach out to them for support.
The charity offers supported housing to people, and supports those living with mental and physical health conditions. Across the UK they have over 130 flats and are developing a further thirteen.
Impact purchased The Cornmill in Malton in October 2018. The building and its flats were in a state of disrepair, before being decorated, carpeted and partly furnished.
Helen Coulson is the manager there, and told Greatest Hits Radio York: "I think our tenants are finding it increasingly difficult during the lockdown. This one has been even harder because it's Winter, and a lot of our residents are living with long term mental health conditions.
"Even though our residents in Malton live in one big building, they're not allowed to mix. When you're feeling down you just want to talk to somebody, and it's not the same doing that on the phone.
"Lockdown hasn't changed what we do, and we're still supporting people. However, we can't really get any fundraising going because it's not doable during lockdown. Some of our money does come from fundraising, so that's been hard.
"We always have a constant flow of people wanting to come and live here. I've received four applications this week, but unfortunately we don't have any flats available at the moment. That changes all the time, because as people progress and move into independent living we then have the space to help others.
"Hopefully by Spring we'll be able to get out. We're planning on setting up a walking group, as it's one of the things that a lot of our clients have been missing. It'll make all the difference once we're moving out of the lockdown situation".
Andy was one of the first tenants at The Cornmill site in 2018, and had been in trouble with the police in the past. He's been helped by Impact Living, is now a Trainee Maintenance Worker for them and has re-established contact with his children.
He told us: "You just need to keep busy doing stuff. I do okay when I'm busy with activities, but it can do your head in to stay inside all the time.
"Impact changed my life. I used to be a troublemaker at a young age, and it's only since I moved in here that I got the help that I needed.
"It's been hard (the lockdown), but I suppose you can only do what you're allowed to. I just keep myself to myself and do my work.
"Talking to someone is the best solution. Even though I struggle to sometimes explain how I'm feeling, speaking to people really helps".
Helen adds: "Andy has been in and out of trouble from teenage years, but after getting the help he needed he's progressed so well.
"Andy can't always see how well he's doing, but this has been a positive development for his whole family.
"He hadn't seen his children for many years, but we helped him to go through the courts to have regular contact with them. The safe accommodation provided has allowed him to have routine sleep overs for all his children under the same roof.
"It's provided greater opportunities for him and his family to re-establish many years of missed moments of joy".