A Derbyshire housing trust saved a formerly homeless woman who says she would be dead or jailed without their help.
These three women escaped difficult situations, including homelessness, poor housing, and abuse. Derventio Housing Trust, based in Derby, helped them greatly. All three praised the housing project, with Theresa saying she would be dead or in jail if not for it. She was homeless in Chesterfield for months in 2024.
Chesterfield Borough Council funds Healthy Futures, which gives housing to people in need. Without it, they might use 999 and NHS services. The charity reports the project saves the NHS money, estimating savings of “tens of thousands of pounds”.
Theresa described her experience sleeping rough in Chesterfield in 2024 and using drugs at the time. In late 2024, she joined Healthy Futures and became clean within a few weeks.
Theresa said rough sleeping was awful, and she feared for her safety constantly. She spoke to Derventio through Pathways, a homeless charity, and received housing within a week. Theresa loves having a home, saying she avoided death or jail and that “It’s great just to have a space” where she can lock the door and feel safe.
Paul West runs Healthy Futures for Derventio and is amazed by Theresa’s progress. “She’s worked hard and got herself clean,” he said, adding that he is very pleased for her.
Kelsey Hudspeth became homeless after an abusive relationship forced her elsewhere. She found a safe place at Derventio Housing Trust, which was “wonderful” for her. She now works in a coffee shop.
Violet Osborn from Alfreton became homeless in 2021 and came to Derventio Housing Trust after leaving an unstable shelter that is no longer open. She studies at Chesterfield College now and wants to enter the engineering field. Derventio means safety and welcoming people, she said. “There’s one-on-one help for you,” adding that people can call anyone they need to.
Sarah Hernandez manages Derventio Housing Trust and is thrilled for Theresa, Kelsey, and Violet, who are thriving because of Healthy Futures. They give intense support to people in danger, and the progress they see each year is remarkable. The support helps people make progress.
Hospitals are strained by 999 calls. This service helps provide better accommodation, ensuring people who don’t need a hospital get help. Sharing success stories is a joy, and hearing how well the residents are doing is great.