A New Beginning at Crofters Quarter

^{In advance of the launch of 120 new homes at Crofters Quarter, Deansgrange, we chatted with member tenant Dennis, about his journey to his new home and how he feels now that he has settled in.}

^‍For Dennis, May marked a life-changing moment. When he received the keys to his new apartment at Crofters Quarter, it wasn’t just a move—it was a significant step toward reclaiming his life.

Overcoming Health Challenges

Dennis is currently battling a lung illness and long COVID, both of which have kept him out of work for the past year—a tough adjustment for someone who has worked since the age of 12. “I started working on cargo ships when I was still a boy,” Dennis recalls. “My mum and I lied about my age, saying I was 16. I spent my first year in the kitchen, and then I learned the ropes, literally and figuratively, working on ship maintenance.” It was during that time that Dennis developed his skills as a carpenter—a trade he’s now passing down to his son.

Transforming His New Home

When Dennis moved into Crofters Quarter, he found himself starting from scratch. His previous apartment was fully furnished, so he had little to equip his new space. Undeterred, he applied for a grant, bought materials, and with the help of his 12-year-old son, Jamie, set about transforming their new home. Together, they laid floors, installed blinds, built wardrobes, and assembled beds.

Bonding Through Carpentry

Dennis speaks with obvious pride about the time he’s spent teaching Jamie his trade. “My son wants to be a footballer, but working on the apartment has given us a chance to bond and for me to show him something he can use later in life,” Dennis says with a smile. “He’s really into it too. When we’re working together, he’s not on his phone, he’s focused and enjoying it.”

Jamie, who has just started his first year at a new secondary school nearby, has settled into their new home with ease. “He lives and breathes football,” Dennis beams. “He’s a lovely boy—gentle and kind. Everyone has such nice things to say about him. He’s also brilliant at maths, so I think he’s going to do well.”

A Healthier Living Situation

The move to Crofters Quarter has been transformative for Dennis, especially given his health challenges. His previous apartment was on the fifth floor, making day-to-day life increasingly difficult as his illness progressed. Climbing the stairs became a monumental task, often requiring long breaks that turned simple errands into exhausting ordeals. “If I ran out of something for dinner, or didn’t have milk for tea, I’d often go without because I couldn’t face the stairs,” he explains.

Now, living on the ground floor, Dennis feels a new sense of freedom. “I’ve probably walked more in the last month than in the whole of last year,” he shares. Simple pleasures, like a walk to the shops, are now manageable again, and the security of his new home has lifted a tremendous weight off his shoulders. “I don’t have to worry about rent increases or eviction anymore, and that’s a huge relief.”

Dennis recently visited his former workplace, The Happy Pear, where he was met with smiles and compliments. “Everyone commented on how much better I look,” he says. “Being here, I feel better in myself. New start, new life.”

Although Dennis is facing health challenges, he remains optimistic about the future. He hopes to return to work once his health improves. “I really enjoyed my job, and my old colleagues have told me they’d be happy to see me back,” he says. “If my health allows, I’d love to return.”

For now, Dennis is focused on his surgery and recovery and settling into his new life. Crofters Quarter has given him a fresh start, and with it, a renewed sense of hope for the future.

We wish Dennis the very best with his health and recovery from surgery and good wishes for this new chapter in his life at his new home at Crofters Quarter.

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