Lauren Eldred and her family have moved into a new council home in the Bellamy area of Mansfield, marking a significant positive change after years of housing uncertainty. Eldred, who lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, expressed her relief and joy at finally having a stable home that accommodates her health needs.
Previously, Eldred faced challenges with private landlords who were reluctant to make necessary adaptations for her condition, such as grab rails and an electric vehicle charger. Her health, which significantly worsened during pregnancies, made daily tasks like walking upstairs incredibly painful. The diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome during her second pregnancy provided clarity, but also led to her having to stop working in payroll due to chronic migraines and pain.
The family's situation became increasingly difficult, with landlords pressuring them to leave. After being told the latest landlord was selling the property, Eldred received a call from Mansfield District Council offering her family one of the new homes on the Bellamy development. She described the news as life-changing, bringing her to tears of relief.
Despite only being in the property for a few weeks, Eldred highlighted the immediate benefits, including ample space for her wheelchair and aids, a garden for her three children, and the ability to watch them play from the kitchen. "I feel like I’m living here, and not just surviving," she stated, emphasising how the home helps her to be "the best mum that I can be."
“"It seems really silly but, with my disability, I’m just trying to be the best mum that I can be, and this home is helping me to do that."
Kerry Turner, Housing Choice Officer at Mansfield Council, explained that the housing allocation process is mindful, ensuring properties are suited to tenants' long-term needs. Properties on the Bellamy development, which includes a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes let at affordable rates (around 80% of local market rents), were matched closely to applicants' requirements.
Cllr Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Mansfield District Council, expressed her delight for the family, noting the homes are designed with the future in mind, including features like downstairs wet rooms, electric vehicle charging points, air-source heat pumps, and solar panels. She added that the development aims to create communities, with neighbours already making the family feel welcome, and new amenities like a playground, shops, and an upcoming bus route enhancing convenience and connectivity.
The Bellamy development, completed in September 2026, comprises 22 new homes for people on the housing waiting list. For more information on Mansfield District Council’s housing service, visit their website.
