A city mum feels her pleas to be rehoused so she can better support her son have been ignored.

Karolina Hamerska has lived in Norwich for 10 years and her son Antonio, who is 12 years old, has severe obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety issues.

Antonio is home-schooled due to his conditions and they are struggling with the lack of space in the two-bed flat in Hassett Close in NR3, using a sofa bed so that the youngster can move around his small bedroom.  

Eastern Daily Press: Antonio, 12 is having to sleep on a pull out sofa bed so that he has room to move in his bedroom Antonio, 12 is having to sleep on a pull out sofa bed so that he has room to move in his bedroom (Image: Karolina Hamerska)

Karolina said: “It is hard for him to study as his room has no space for a desk, and the kitchen and living room is one room, so he often needs to be in there, which means no one can use the kitchen.  

“We also have no garden and I think being able to play outside would really help Antonio.

"It would also mean that I would be able to get a therapy dog to help him, which isn’t possible in our current situation.” 

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Karolina was under the impression that the flat would be temporary and was shocked to find her silver banding had been changed to the lower banding.  

Eastern Daily Press: Karolina Hamerska said her son would benefit from a dog but it is not possible in their current situation Karolina Hamerska said her son would benefit from a dog but it is not possible in their current situation (Image: Karolina Hamerska)

It seems there could be light at the end of the tunnel though.

A spokesman from Norwich City Council said: “In August 2021, when Ms Hamerska felt that her property was unsuitable for herself and her son, she bid through the council system on a variety of properties, she then viewed the property at Hassett Close, accepted the offer and moved in. 

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“Ms Hamerska’s silver banding was changed due to her son reaching the age of 10.   

Eastern Daily Press: The NR3 mum said she thought the Hassett Close property was temporary The NR3 mum said she thought the Hassett Close property was temporary (Image: Google Maps)

“As is current NCC policy, children under the age of 10 should if possible be provided with accommodation with access to a garden on the same level as the property. This changes when a child reaches 10. 

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“We are sorry that Ms Hamerska feels that she is not being listened to and will do our utmost to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement with her.” 

Obsessive compulsive disorder

OCD is an often misunderstood condition due to light-hearted comments about people having "OCD tendencies". 

It is considered a mental health condition by the NHS where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. 

An NHS description states: “OCD can affect men, women and children. People can start having symptoms from as early as six years old, but it often begins around puberty and early adulthood. 

“OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life, but treatment can help you keep it under control.”