Tenant support | Going through a divorce
A divorce is a traumatic and stressful experience, as you are forced with starting your life all over again, often leaving your home and navigating co-parenting.
David* is just one tenant going through this. The divorce has been difficult and emotionally draining, especially as he is adjusting to living alone in a new place. His children, aged 12 and 15, live with their mother, which has left David feeling lonely and disconnected.
Seeking someone to talk to about his feelings and worries, David reached out to Life & Progress, our Tenant Support & Wellbeing Service for guidance on coping with the changes in his life.
The call
David spoke to Laura, a trained emotional support counsellor with experience in helping individuals navigate major life transitions, including relationship changes and family dynamics.
David told Laura that he was finding it hard adjusting to living alone and he was missing his children.
He said: “It feels like everything has changed overnight. The hardest part is the loneliness. I go home to an empty apartment every night, and it’s such a big change from having a full house. I feel lost and don’t really have anyone to talk to.”
Laura listened with empathy, validating David’s experiences and offering both emotional support and practical strategies to help him adapt to his new life circumstances.
She told him: “Divorce is a significant life change, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. You’ve already taken a big step by reaching out, which shows a lot of strength.”
Laura talked through some practical things David could do to feel less lonely.
She suggested he built a routine with structure, such as scheduling times to call his children, arranging to meet up with friends and family, and finding a new hobby.
She also suggested joining a divorce support group or men’s support group.
Laura also signposted David to the Life & Progress website where there was lots of resources on legal advice.
She told David: “Connecting with others who are going through similar situations can provide you with a sense of community and help lessen the loneliness.”
What happened next?
David agreed to join a local support group saying: “I hadn’t thought of that before, but maybe it would help to talk to people who understand.”
He set up a routine to call his children regularly and joined a photography club to explore his interests.
He said: “I feel more hopeful now.”
Practical support offered
Connection to support groups: Life & Progress can recommend local or online support groups for individuals going through divorce
Encouragement to pursue new hobbies: Life & Progress can inspire you to pursue new hobbies to foster new connections and bring fulfilment outside your comfort zone.
Resources for stress management: Life & Progress can provide you with additional resources on managing stress and coping strategies
Legal advice: Life & Progress has a website with lots of legal advice on family matters and divorce
Follow-Up Plan: Life & Progress can check in with after a few weeks, providing an opportunity to discuss progress, and guidance to further support if needed.
*All calls to Life & Progress are confidential. This case study highlights how this service can provide both immediate support and actionable guidance for tenants facing significant life changes, helping them adapt with a renewed sense of hope and direction.
You can access Life & Progress by calling 0330 094 8845
You can also visit www.tenantcare.co.uk
Username: progressgroup
Password: tenant
For more information, visit Free wellbeing and support service