The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, will be referred to as Amanda for the purposes of this article.
Amanda had lived in private accommodation for over eleven years, the only home her children ever knew.
However, around Christmas in 2025, the family received a Section 21 no-fault eviction notice, as the landlord decided to sell the property.
Amanda said: “It completely turned our lives upside down. That house was the only home my children had ever known. Suddenly we had just two months to find somewhere else to live and I honestly felt completely lost.”
Unable to find another suitable home, Amanda and her two children sofa-surfed for four months and she registered with Homeseekers. By March, the family were officially recognised as homeless.
Amanda said: “It was tough. There just wasn’t any space. My daughter especially struggled because she had nowhere that really felt like her own.”
Amanda also continued paying £130 every month to keep her family’s belongings in storage while she searched for somewhere permanent.
One of the biggest challenges for Amanda was trying to find a property within Coleford. Staying local was particularly important because her young son attends a specialist school nearby.
Amanda said: “Staying local was absolutely essential. My son needs routine and familiarity and I couldn’t bear the thought of having to move away from his school and everything he knows.”
Supported by a housing officer, Amanda successfully bid for her new home in a Coleford development at the end of March, and received the news a few months ago that it had been allocated to her.
Amanda said: “The housing officer was amazing. They supported me every step of the way and I honestly can’t thank them enough.”
Although there was a short wait while construction was completed, Platform, a major not-for-profit housing association who manages the property, kept Amanda informed throughout the process.
She said: “The communication was second to none. Even though there was a delay because it was still an active building site, I always knew what was happening.”
The type of eviction which saw Amanda go through such a tumultuous time can no longer occur. Section 21 "no-fault" evictions in England were officially abolished on May 1 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act. Landlords can no longer issue a Section 21 notice or evict private tenants without providing a valid, legal reason.
But despite the unfortunate circumstances for Amanda and her family, they now live in a three bedroom affordable rented home within the new multi-million pound estate.
The development, delivered in partnership with Edenstone Group, Forest of Dean District Council and Homes England, will provide 47 affordable homes, including 24 for social rent, 19 shared ownership properties and four Rent to Buy homes. All properties are expected to be occupied by November this year.
When Amanda finally moved in, she walked around and was taken aback by the spacious kitchen, falling in love with it and saying she has never had so much cupboard space.
The home offers everything the family has been needing for so long. Outside, her son has an ideal place of his own - a safe place to learn and play.
Amanda said: “In our last home I could never really let my son out to play in the garden because he’d always find a way out. He’s my little Houdini.
“This garden is fully enclosed and secure. We’re going to move the shed to the side so we can get a paddling pool for him and he can just enjoy being outside safely.”
Amanda’s daughter is equally delighted, as she has her own space once again. Amanda explained her daughter is over the moon particularly with her new bedroom.
She said: “My daughter had been asking for a double bed for ages and I’d been saving up to buy her one. Seeing her so happy makes everything we’ve been through worthwhile.”
The future now looks bright for the family. They have other family members nearby, her son’s school remains close to home and everyone finally is able to breathe again.
Amanda said: “It already feels like home. I can’t wait to make memories here with the children.
“I’d never heard of Platform before all of this, but I’m so grateful. This home has given us stability again and that’s something you can’t put a price on.
“I finally feel like we can make memories again.
“This house has been an absolute life saver. I honestly don’t know where we’d be if we hadn’t got it. We’d probably still be sofa surfing.”
Gerraint Oakley, Chief Growth and Development Officer at Platform Housing Group, who welcomed Amanda into her home in person, said: “Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder of why affordable housing matters.
“Having a safe, secure home provides so much more than a roof over someone’s head. It gives families stability, independence and the opportunity to put down roots and look to the future with confidence.
“We’re delighted that Amanda and her family have found that fresh start and we’d like to thank Homes England, Edenstone Group and Forest of Dean District Council for helping us deliver these much needed affordable homes for the local community.”
The homes within the new development in Coleford have been built using modern, energy efficient construction methods and are all gas free, with air source heat pumps helping reduce energy use and carbon emissions.
The multi-million pound development has been supported by £4 million of grant funding from Homes England through Platform Housing Group’s strategic partnership with the government agency.
Ailsa Yeomans Evans, Head of Affordable Housing Delivery at Homes England said: “Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a quality home they can afford, close to the people and places that matter most to them.
“Through our strategic partnership with Platform Housing Group, we’re helping to increase the supply of affordable homes across the region while supporting sustainable communities.
“It’s wonderful to see the first residents moving in and beginning the next chapter of their lives.”
Platform said there was another family beginning a new chapter at a new address within the development, a couple and their four children. The couple slept on the sofa in their previous home so the children could have the bedrooms they needed.
Matt Bishop, MP for the Forest of Dean said: “Developments like this are incredibly important for our local communities, providing high quality, affordable housing that allow people to stay close to their families, schools and support networks.
“Hearing stories like [these] brings home the real difference these homes make. They’re not simply new houses; they’re giving local families the stability, security and opportunity to build a brighter future.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in delivering this development and the positive impact these new homes will have for local people.”
For further information, you can contact Kabbie Langford, Communications Business Partner, on 07918160841 or [email protected]
Comments
This article has no comments yet. Be the first to leave a comment.