As Islington Council continues to deliver new council homes across the borough, more local families are getting access to high-quality, affordable housing that meets their needs. For Ebru, moving into a new accessible home on the Elthorne Estate has been life-changing, giving her family the space, stability and support they need to thrive. 

After years of living in a one-bedroom council flat with her two children, both of whom use wheelchairs, she has moved into a more spacious home designed to meet their needs. For the first time, her son and daughter have bedrooms of their own, and everyday life feels that little bit easier. “We love it,” she says.

The move has transformed the practical side of family life. The ground-floor home is fully wheelchair accessible, with widened doorways, step-free access and space for the family to move around comfortably. Features that might seem simple to others make a huge difference to Ebru and her children. 

“Everything is new,” she says. “Even the cupboards are nice. The flooring was already done, there were blinds in the living room and we’ve got a big balcony.” 

But what matters most is not just the home itself. It’s being able to stay connected to the community that has always been home. 

Born and raised in Islington, Ebru wanted to remain close to the people, places and services her family relies on. Her mum lives just five minutes away, the family’s GP is nearby and local shops, green spaces, transport links and healthcare services are all within easy reach. 

The new home is only around 10 minutes from where the family previously lived, meaning her children can stay at the same school and keep the routines that are so important to them. 

“The children are happy where they live,” she says. 

Before moving to Elthorne, Ebru had spent years searching for a home that would work for her family’s circumstances. She was on the housing register and regularly bid for suitable properties, while professionals supporting the family helped demonstrate their needs. 

When homes became available on the estate, Ebru viewed four properties and said yes to all of them, hoping one might become available. 

What happened next came as a surprise. 

“Within one day, I heard back from the council and was successful,” she says. “When you’ve been struggling for so long and something good finally happens, you’re just so happy. I still can’t believe it.”  

The timing was important too. Ebru was given extra time to move during the Easter holidays, allowing the family to settle in and making the transition smoother for her children. 

Looking around her new home today, she feels grateful to have found somewhere that works for the whole family, both now and in the future. 

“Islington Council saw someone in need, especially with children, and stepped in to help,” she says. 

Now settled into life on the Elthorne Estate, Ebru feels confident about what comes next. 

For Ebru and her children, the move has brought more than extra space. It has provided stability, independence and the chance to remain part of the community they know and love, in a home that truly meets their needs.