'I found myself again' – Young mum rebuilds her life with support from Bramlings House

Nearly two years ago, Natasha moved into Bramlings House, a supported housing scheme in Newbury, for young people and young parents.
Natasha case study
Natasha and her daughter
At the time, she was a single mother facing significant challenges and Natasha was struggling with her mental health.

Bramlings House offered more than just a safe place to live. With regular sessions from a dedicated key worker and access to tailored support, Natasha began to rebuild her confidence and develop the skills she needed to move forward. She took part in parenting classes, got support for her mental health and learned how to budget and cook.

Over time, Natasha began to reconnect with herself and those around her. She was supported by the team at Bramlings House to train as a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) Champion. As part of this role Natasha volunteers and helps create a safe, supportive space for other residents who have experienced trauma.

She helped others with job searches and CV writing, helped plan community events like Easter parties and coach trips, and played a key part in making Bramlings House a more inclusive and nurturing environment. Through her involvement, Natasha also rediscovered her artistic side and found joy in engaging with others.

Reflecting on her journey, Natasha said: "When I first arrived, I didn’t want to engage with anyone. But the staff were patient, and eventually I started to open up. I got involved in activities, helped other residents, and started to feel like I had something to offer.

“Now I’ve got a job, I’m moving into a new home, and my daughter is starting school. For a long time, I thought there was nothing for me, but you’re never stuck. You just need to believe in yourself and take the time to figure out where you want to go.

“If I could give advice to anyone moving in here or going through something similar, I’d say: embrace where you are. Take time to reflect, look at yourself and think about what you might want to change. If there are things you don’t like, use this as a chance to pause and figure out who you are, what you want, and where you want to go. Life isn’t a rush or a race, it’s a journey, it will end one day, so you may as well make it a beautiful one while you’ve got the chance.”

Fiona Meaden, A2Dominion’s Head of Operations said: “Supported housing isn’t just about having a roof over your head, it’s about being more independent, finding purpose, and building relationships with others. Natasha’s story shows how services like Bramlings House can positively shape the lives of young parents, helping them develop everyday skills like budgeting, shopping, attending appointments, and exploring their community.”

Bramlings House offers up to two years of supported accommodation, during which residents receive individualised support in areas such as their tenancy, budgeting, employment and parenting. The aim is to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to live independently and thrive in their local community.