Tracey / Downsizing

Tracey is an East Thames resident who has recently downsized from a four bedroom house to a two bedroom flat.

Tracey was previously living in Dagenham but found that her large home was a big financial burden. That’s when she found out that East Thames could help her downsize.

Tracey said: “My reasons for moving were financial, I had got into rent arrears. East Thames were calling me about my rent arrears and that’s when they told me that I could downsize. I got £500 for the bedrooms I gave up and East Thames arranged the removal van for me and paid for it.

“I like my new property, in here the rooms are a nice size and I have a garden, so in the summer I can sit outside. I would say to people who are living in a large home, downsize. It can save you money on your water rates and other utility bills, it’s saving me money across the board, it’s a good scheme.”

East Thames has also been helping Tracey get out of rent arrears and explore the employment options open to her.

“East Thames are running a programme that is tailored to help people with rent arrears. They are helping me with my CV and helping me find work placements. They have confidence in me which is giving me confidence in myself. Once I’ve got experience I can go for a full time job and earning money is an incentive. I didn’t expect to get this kind of help from my landlord. I feel kind of blessed, back in the day I probably would have been evicted.”