"I have confidence in ME"

Although only 27, Joanna Faithfull has experienced years of health problems throughout her young life having been diagnosed with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) at eight years of age. Having stayed with various different family members she began to consider how she might be able to achieve a more settled home life. After contacting the East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) Housing Needs Team, Joanna was referred to Radian, who found her a vacancy at Leslie Nation Court (LNC), a supported housing scheme in Petersfield, Hampshire, for single people aged 16-65.

Despite her early diagnosis, Joanna has struggled to manage her work and life commitments at times, largely due to the fact that she was in denial about her ME. She kept experiencing relapses as she didn't want to accept the fact that she was ill, instead trying to carry on living a normal life explaining, "If you smile, everyone believes you're OK – so I am really good at smiling!"

When she was younger she spent a lot of time in bed, missing school due to the physical and mental exhaustion suffered as a symptom of her condition. She took up drawing and painting to relax and take her mind off her illness. Before she lived at LNC she hadn't drawn for years, other than a picture for her mum at Christmas and birthdays. David Carter, a Support Officer within Radian's Assisted Living Team, took Jo shopping to get some pencils, canvases and paints to motivate her to start again. He also tackled the issue of her ME, providing her with the encouragement to make a doctor's appointment and to begin to accept her illness.

Jo's confidence in her art is now going from strength to strength. She had always kept her artwork private, unconvinced of its worth. Since living at LNC she has started to show her pieces to people other than her friends and family, and several pieces hang in the communal areas of the scheme. She has had some great feedback; it has challenged her thoughts and encouraged her to believe in herself.

In conjunction with David's support, this has lead to a change in Joanna's attitude towards herself, her life and her illness and she is determined to get better and make a good life for herself. David has been helping Jo to gain independent living skills, providing emotional support and signposting her to specialist support when necessary. David will continue to provide support for an additional three months, helping with bills, direct debits and general tenancy issues. Tenants can live at LNC for up to two years, after which they move-on to more settled accommodation in the community.

If you are interested in the work of LNC please contact David Carter on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you are single and at risk of becoming homeless and would like advice about your housing options then please contact East Hampshire District Council on 01730 266551.