I have lived in my nan's council house for my entire life, and now my family is at risk of losing the only home we have ever known. This house isn't just a building; it's a sanctuary filled with memories of my childhood. I've lost my mum, my uncles, and my grandad, and I cared for my grandmother here after she was diagnosed with dementia. This isn't just about bricks and mortar—it's about holding onto the last connection I have with my family.

For the past two years, I have been in a relentless battle with Thurrock Council. Despite knowing our predicament, they have told us we're not a priority for housing until we become homeless. We are a family of four, soon to be five, and the thought of not having a place to call home is daunting and frightening.

I'm not limiting myself to just one option; while I dearly wish to remain in my childhood home, I simply do not want my family to become homeless. In the heart of Essex, our community understands the value of family and the necessity of a stable home, yet we’re being pushed into a precarious situation.

The policies in place should be protecting families like ours. Councils should re-evaluate their approach, recognizing the importance of a home as a pillar for any family, especially those with young children. The risk of homelessness brings its own plethora of issues, including stress, instability, and the potential uprooting from everything our children have ever known.

Our plea is simple: we seek a fair solution where my family can either continue to live in our current home or be rehoused without the threat of becoming homeless. Other councils have implemented policies that prioritize keeping families in homes when continuity is threatened, and Thurrock Council can and should do the same.

Please help us capture the council's attention and urge them to find a humane and practical solution to our housing crisis. This is not just about one family; it’s about refusing to let families fall through the cracks of a broken system.

Sign this petition and help us safeguard the future of our family. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no family in Thurrock is left facing homelessness without consequence.