Meet Elizabeth
Local Space’s unique model acquires and refurbishes properties before leasing them to local authorities to provide long-term, settled homes for families in housing need. After living in unsuitable accommodation, Elizabeth* was referred to Local Space through her local authority housing team.
Within a month, she was visiting a newly refurbished two-bedroom flat in Dagenham, where she and her daughter have lived since May 2026. The flat had been renovated by Local Space to ensure they were provided with a high-quality, settled home from the outset. Fitted with a new bathroom, kitchen, boiler and flooring, as well as redecoration throughout and the provision of white goods such as a cooker and fridge freezer, Elizabeth and her daughter’s home now gave them the stability they had been missing.
A safe place to call home
Before moving to Dagenham, Elizabeth and her six-year-old daughter were living in a studio flat where they shared a single room. Elizabeth no longer felt safe in the area after experiencing domestic abuse, and was looking for a home where she and her daughter could find the stability and peace of mind they had been missing.
As well as concerns about their safety, life in their previous home had become increasingly difficult. Elizabeth’s daughter was unable to access local parks, while travelling to school involved long journeys to a different borough. Using public transport in the area was also a source of anxiety, leaving Elizabeth feeling constantly on edge in case she encountered people connected to her previous situation.
“It was a really scary situation,” Elizabeth explained. “For the two years we lived there, I was tense all the time. It was a lot for me and for my daughter as well. Relocating here gave me peace. At least now I feel safe and I know that my child is safe.”
Settling into a new community
Three months after moving into their new flat, Elizabeth says that having more space has transformed daily life for both her and her daughter. They each have their own bedroom, giving them the separate space and privacy they lacked before.
“Before, everything was joined,” Elizabeth explained. “We were in the same area and the same bed. My daughter used to pray that she would have her own room and that mummy would too. This flat answered that prayer for her, so she’s very, very happy.”
The move has also made day-to-day life easier. Her daughter’s school is now only eight minutes away by foot, public transport links are more accessible and a nearby church has helped Elizabeth feel connected to the local area. A park and communal garden close by also provide a safe outdoor space where her daughter can play and exercise.
Elizabeth has enjoyed getting to know her neighbours and says the welcoming community has helped her feel at home in her new surroundings.
Looking ahead with confidence
Having a secure home has also had a positive impact on Elizabeth’s wellbeing. During her previous circumstances, she attended counselling sessions and wellbeing groups while working hard to stay mentally and physically strong for her daughter.
Elizabeth says she now feels happier, more settled and has regained a sense of routine.
“It’s far better,” she said. “I’ve got my routine back and I’m seeing more opportunities around me. I still commute but I work in childcare, so having schools and nurseries nearby has given me the chance to think about finding work closer to home.”
Most importantly, having a stable home has given Elizabeth the confidence to start making longer-term plans for herself and her daughter.
“I’ve started to plan for the future because I feel very safe and secure now, and that wasn’t possible before.”
She adds, “For me, having a home means having peace within me, knowing that my family is settled and that I can think about the future. And I have that now.”
*Name changed for privacy.