My husband Iain sustained a spinal cord injury when he went for a ride on the hottest day of the year. One moment he was riding, the next he was off the bike and doesn’t remember anything about what happened.

He was on the waiting list for rehab when I phoned Aspire’s Housing Advice service. We were in rented accommodation and were due to move into a privately rented home owned by a friend who was the landlord. The friend had agreed we could make any adaptations to the home that Iain needed. However, when I spoke to the disability team at our council, they informed us that as both Iain and I were working full time we wouldn’t meet the means test and would have had to pay for the adaptations that were needed. I then contacted the Housing department at the council to get the paperwork needed to join the housing register.

I contacted Aspire's Housing Advice service as I heard that they could support with housing issues. When I spoke to an advisor they explained how the process to apply to the housing register works and what information I would need to put on the form so that Iain could be placed in the highest priority with the correct banding. They said that as Iain’s injury was quite new it may take some time, but it was best to get the housing register application in now rather than closer to Iain’s discharge. My friend still allowed our two teenage daughters and me to move in the property until somewhere could be found for us all.

We were accepted onto the housing register as Band B and I had to fight to get us moved up to Band A. You have to find the information yourself and push for what you need. With the information I received from Aspire I was able to do this myself. The advisors are professional and caring; I would recommend them.

We have now moved into a purpose-built wheelchair accessible property. There is a lift and ceiling hoist and Iain can access the whole house. I saw the listing at midnight and applied straightaway. When I viewed the property, I cried. I feel so fortunate and still pinch myself now.

Iain can still get frustrated with things that he can’t do but he is enjoying life and feels grateful to be alive. We are positive people which helps with the whole situation. - Jo, Iain's wife.

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