Anthony's Story

Looking for support regarding an ongoing civil court case surrounding his tenancy, Anthony was referred to P3 Charity by the local housing department in Cirencester, a market town that acts as main hub for rural communities around the Cotswolds. From the very first conversation, Anthony said he found a sense of understanding and reassurance that had been missing in his journey. 

“I was very, very worried at the time,” he says, “but they were lovely to me and reassured me that P3 would help me find the right support… What I loved about P3 was the informality and the way they were so welcoming.” 

After talking through his situation with the team, Anthony felt immediate relief, saying, “It was great knowing I had someone to rely on.” For many people like Anthony, that first connection is a turning point: a moment when uncertainty begins to lift, replaced with trust and hope. 

One of the biggest challenges Anthony faced was accessing support, as he lived in one of the more rural communities on the outskirts of Cirencester. Based in one of the UK’s peak tourist regions, people in need of help in the Cotswolds face distinct social and practical barriers. With high living costs, limited affordable housing, and transport often difficult – or expensive – to access, finding the right support can feel out of reach. 

This is where services like P3’s Cotswolds Community-Based Support Service becomes indispensable — bringing tailored, face-to-face help directly into rural communities. These services ensures that no one is left behind because of geography, helping people stay connected, independent and secure in their homes. 

“Having lived in both cities and the countryside, one thing that stands out for me is the disconnect people face in rural areas. The isolation really is quite frightening, but having people like P3 here to listen really is brilliant”, Anthony says. 

When he discovered he would need to attend a court hearing in Swindon around 30 miles from Cheltenham – Anthony says the stress became overwhelming. “I’d had many sleepless nights”, he admits. But a week before the hearing, a member of the P3 team offered to attend with him: a gesture that meant more than words could express. 

“To be honest with you, I was so chuffed, I didn’t have to fight alone”, Anthony says. 

That simple act of standing alongside someone in their moment of need encapsulates what P3 is all about: practical help delivered with empathy, ensuring that no one faces life’s challenges alone. 

Anthony said, “[P3 is] there to help and will not let you down. My heartfelt advice is turn to P3; they’re there for you, with you.” 

Describing P3 as “an absolute Godsend”, Anthony can’t sing the praises of the team enough: “I’m so very grateful to them. I can honestly say I don’t know what I would do without them.” 

Now feeling much more reassured and confident about moving forward with his case, Anthony reflects on just how far he’s come. He says, “I’m not afraid”: something he never thought he’d be able to say. 

Through dedicated, community-rooted support like this, P3 continues to make a powerful difference across rural areas, breaking down barriers to access and ensuring that everyone — no matter where they live — has the chance to find safety, stability and hope. 

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