'I finally feel like we can make memories again’ Coleford mum’s fresh start in affordable home

When April Jenkins opens the front door to her new home in Coleford, she doesn’t just see bricks and mortar.  

She see’s stability.  

After months of uncertainty, sofa surfing and wondering where her family would live next, the single mum is finally able to look ahead.  

‘A lifesaver’  

“This house has been an absolute life saver,” she said.  

“I honestly don’t know where we’d be if we hadn’t got it.  We’d probably still be sofa surfing.”  

Affordable homes for the area  

April has recently moved into a three bedroom affordable rented home at the Ellwood Road development, our new £11 million estate in Coleford, delivered in partnership with Edenstone Group, Forest of Dean District Council and Homes England.  

The development will provide 47 affordable homes, including 24 for social rent, 19 shared ownership properties and four Rent to Buy homes.  All properties are expected to be occupied by November this year.  

Eviction at Christmas  

For April, the move marks the end of one of the most difficult periods of her life.  

After privately renting for more than 11 years, she received a Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notice shortly after Christmas when her landlord decided to sell the property.  

“It completely turned our lives upside down,” she said.  

Location, location, location  

“That house was the only home my children had ever known.  Suddenly we had just two months to find somewhere else to live and I honestly felt completely lost.”  

The situation was made even more challenging because her nine year old son Harry, is autistic and non verbal and attends a specialist SEND school nearby.  

“Staying local was absolutely essential.  Harry needs routine and familiarity and I couldn’t bear the thought of having to move away from his school and everything he knows.”  

Overcrowding  

Unable to find another suitable home, April and her children – 13 year old Poppy and Harry – moved into her partner’s two bedroom house, where six people were living together.  

“It was tough,” she said.  

“There just wasn’t any space.  My daughter especially struggled because she had nowhere that really felt like her own.”  

The financial impact  

April also continued paying £130 every month to keep her family’s belongings in storage while she searched for somewhere permanent.  

Recognised as homeless  

After registering with Homeseekers, her circumstances changed when the family was officially recognised as homeless in March.  

Onwards and upwards  

Supported by a housing officer, she successfully bid for her new home at the end of March and received the news on 14 April that it had been allocated to her.  

“The housing officer was amazing,” April said.  

“They supported me every step of the way and I honestly can’t thank them enough.”  

Although there was a short wait while construction was completed, April says she was kept informed throughout.  

“The communication was second to none.  Even though there was a delay because it was still an active building site, I always knew what was happening.”   

Moving in  

Walking around her new home, April proudly points out the spacious kitchen.  

“I’ve never had so much cupboard space,” she laughed.  

“I absolutely love the kitchen.”  

Outside space suitable for Harry  

Outside, Harry was already exploring what will become his own safe place to play.  

“In our last home I could never really let Harry out to play in the garden because he’d always find a way out,” she smiled.  

“He’s my little Houdini.  

“This garden is fully enclosed and secure.  We’re going to move the shed to the side so we can get a paddling pool for him and he can just enjoy being outside safely.”  

Extra help  

Occupational therapists are already helping ensure the home meets Harry’s needs, and April has even asked whether a protective cupboard could be built around the air source heat pump in the garden.  

“I know exactly what Harry’s like,” she laughed.  

“I don’t want his little fingers finding their way through the slats.”  

A room of her own  

Inside, Poppy is equally delighted.  

“She’s over the moon with her bedroom,” April said.  

“She’d been asking for a double bed for ages and I’d been saving up to buy her one.  Seeing her so happy makes everything we’ve been through worthwhile.”  

The future looks bright  

With family nearby, Harry’s school just ten minutes away and room for everyone to breathe again, April says life has finally settled.  

“It already feels like home.  

“I can’t wait to make memories here with the children.  

“I’d never heard of Platform before all of this, but I’m so grateful.  This home has given us stability again and that’s something you can’t put a price on.”  

Sustainable living  

The homes in Coleford have been built using modern, energy efficient construction methods and are all gas free, with air source heat pumps helping reduce energy use and carbon emissions.  

The £11 million development has been supported by £4 million of grant funding from Homes England through our strategic partnership with the government agency.  

A personal welcome  

Gerraint Oakley, our Chief Growth and Development Officer, who welcomed April into her home in person, said: “April’s story is a powerful reminder of why affordable housing matters.  

“Having a safe, secure home provides so much more than a roof over someone’s head.  It gives families stability, independence and the opportunity to put down roots and look to the future with confidence.  

“We’re delighted that April and her family have found that fresh start at Ellwood Road and we’d like to thank Homes England, Edenstone Group and Forest of Dean District Council for helping us deliver these much needed affordable homes for the local community.”

Photo caption: April outside her new home