Gayle's story

Gayle lives in her own home in West Oxfordshire, shared with two other people, and close to her parents.

After studying at the local comprehensive, Gayle moved on to college to learn independent living skills. As her brothers grew up and left home, Gayle's parents, Ian and Mary, worried that she would not be able to develop an independent life by continuing to live with them.

Through discussions with Advance's hared ownership team they realised there was a possibility, through the HOLD (home ownership for people with long term disabilities) scheme, that Gayle could part-own her own home.

In 2002 a four bedroom house close to Ian and Mary's home was identified by Advance as a suitable purchase. Two other families were also interested in this option. The families, Advance and their care teams worked together to move the three shared owners into their new home in January 2003 where they receive 24/7 support.

Ian and Mary said that they were guided every step of the way in the purchase process by Advance. They have had to deal with changes in benefits and Support for Mortgage Interest over the years but the three families have supported each other to resolve any issues.

Gayle helped to choose how her room was decorated and her independent living skills blossomed when she moved into the house. She also enjoyed volunteering at the local college for a number of years. Gayle meets her Mum for tea on a Friday and comes each week to their house for Sunday lunch. They go on holiday each year and she also visits her brothers in London.

Part owning her own home has brought Gayle’s parents peace of mind knowing that she has somewhere to live in the long-term and that she is settled, happy and living as independently as is possible, with others. It also gives them confidence, because Advance is the other partner in the shared ownership agreement, as they help to maintain the property over time.

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