Local resident, Hasna, is a prisoner in her home.

Along with her family of 4, Hasna lives in a social housing property in Richmond Borough that is not wheelchair accessible, leaving her trapped inside.

In 2019, Hasna was hospitalised due to a number of serious health complications and was left with paralysis in her right leg and significant weakness in her left. She was later diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder and is now a full-time wheelchair user. Having had no previous health issues, her life dramatically changed overnight.

"My world was completely turned upside down. I went from being able to do live independently to suddenly having to rely on my family for everything, including getting in and out of the house. The home that I was once able to easily get around, has become a prison."

Most of her days are spent in her bedroom because there is no safe access to move around in the house. Simple tasks like making a cup of tea have resulted in multiple injuries, including severe burns, because the kitchen is not wheelchair accessible.

Further, there is no ramp access at the front or back of her home, meaning she cannot leave without the support of her family. She has to be physically lifted by two people out of the house, down stairs and into her wheelchair. Both unsafe and demoralising, this method of leaving her home leaves Hasna terrified to go out.

Hasna has worked with local disability charity, Ruils Independent Living, and the local authority to get reasonable adjustments made to her home so that she can be independent and access the community again. The local authority has agreed to make adaptations, but this comes with a hefty price tag.

The family are expected to make a means tested contribution to the works, which currently stands at £9404. The financial assessment is set out by the government, but it is inherently flawed and impacts disproportionately on disabled people like Hansa.

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Ruils CEO Cathy Maker said that there are many others in Hasna's situation across Richmond Borough.

"Sadly, Hasna's situation is not unique. We support many people in the borough who live in inaccessible social housing properties; from clients being trapped in their bedrooms to wheelchair users living in second floor properties without lift access, we've seen a range of people who have fallen through the cracks. Tenants often wait for years for proposed changes to be agreed and then they are expected to come up with thousands of pounds to cover the costs."

Ruils has worked with The Victoria Foundation, a local medical-based charity, and they have pledged £2,500 towards the works if Hasna can secure the rest of the money.

This leaves £6,904 that Hasna's family is expected to cover. This huge amount has been a devastating blow for the family, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis. The local authority will not proceed with the work until payment is made in full.

The family have set up a Go Fund Me page to try to raise the necessary funds and are reaching out to anyone who might be able to support.

"We are calling on our local community for help. Every day that I am trapped inside is another day that I am stripped of my independence, dignity and will to carry on. My family has been massively impacted by this situation and we are desperate for this to change."

Please consider donating to support these vital works. These adaptations will be life-changing, giving Hasna back her freedom and independence.