SWTPhome - by Ellie McDonald

A single mum and her disabled son have been stuck in housing limbo for five months - and say they won't be able to celebrate Christmas properly.

Sharon Wilson, 51, gave up work to become a full-time carer for Reuben, 15, who is autistic and has Down syndrome.

She says the pair were supposed to move into supported housing in July due to not being able to afford the rent of her current property in Farrington Gurney, Somerset.

But they are still waiting to move months on - describing it as a real-life "nightmare before Christmas".

Sharon's MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has even pledged his support to the cause.

But the mum is resigned to spending Christmas in a state of uncertainty - and says she will not be able to celebrate properly.

Sharon said: "I think most of us as human beings struggle with chaos. But when you also have Down syndrome and autism, things can be even more difficult.

"I've struggled with my own mental health too, but I have to stay strong for my son in this situation.

"This is not an environment where you can sit at the kitchen table and have friends over.

"This sense of limbo just doesn't go away. Where will I be next week, will I have a home to live in?

"Am I strong enough to face another email from the housing association that says they cannot confirm the move in date once again?

"I don't think I'm going to be able to celebrate Christmas properly this year.

"I can't put a proper Christmas tree up so I'm going to get a smaller one and put it on the kitchen table because there is no room. I might get a few ornaments as well.

"But I don't know what I am going to do, unless we get a Christmas miracle. I have had to move my bed into the living room because there is no furniture to sit on.

"There are boxes everywhere and I won't be able to decorate it all properly. This isn't a home anymore – it's a waiting room."

Sharon says the rent on her current home is being increased, which she can't afford.

And she has quit her job to look after Reuben full-time and split from her partner.

Sharon, a former lecturer teaching SEN students, was placed on an emergency housing list after asking for help.

But due to the lack of suitable accommodation for her son's needs, she was initially not matched to any housing, she claims.

Eventually she was again contacted and told there would be housing available within three weeks that would be suitable for her son.

Sovereign Network Group, formerly known as Sovereign Housing, then told her to be packed and ready to move, she claims.

But months and living in a constant state of readiness and surrounded by boxes, there is still no end date.

She said: "I was panicking because my current landlord was supposed to have new tenants moving into my current property this past August.

"They have let me stay, but the council is having to pay towards some of the rent for me. I couldn't afford it otherwise.

"I want to scream. I cry every day. I'm exhausted.

"I'm trying to keep a happy, brave face in front of my son but I'm broken inside. I'm deflated and confused how 'snags' in finished houses are creating a limbo.

"I understand these things happen but the bad communication has been the unbearable constant issue throughout. It's painfully cruel."

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg is the MP for North East Somerset.

He said: "My office has been in touch with Miss Wilson to discuss her case.

"I am concerned to know that she - and other families - were given a moving date in July and they are still waiting to move into properties in Sentinel Way.

"I have made urgent representations for Miss Wilson to the organisations involved and encourage any other constituents who are affected to get in touch with me."

A Sovereign Network Group spokesperson said: "We share Ms Wilson's frustration, and we would like to see her and her son enjoying their new home as soon as possible.

"The delay is due to planning and legal processes that are outside our control, and we have been keeping Ms Wilson regularly updated.

"Given the delay, we offered Ms Wilson the opportunity to apply for alternative properties with the council, while keeping first refusal on this one, but she said she was keen to keep to this property.

"We will continue to press for this to be resolved as soon as possible and will keep her updated."