Year 2 Study Visit Brochure 2017

Practice insights: Edith

I moved to Great Yarmouth with the help of social services following a marriage breakdown. My second husband then disappeared, leaving me distressed and unwell.

Edith had reached a point where she felt she could no longer cope, but she had been told by a friend that DIAL and GYROS' office 'Kingside' was a place she could go for help. At Kingside she was introduced to Service Connector Inese. Edith explained that she had moved to Yarmouth with help from social services following a marriage breakdown. Soon after this she met her second husband and since then the two of them had been living in a flat in town, until his recent disappearance. Her husband had been managing all the bills, and when he disappeared she wasn't equipped to take on this responsibility. Edith had some health concerns too, suffering from glaucoma, but hadn't visited her GP for a very long time and was generally struggling to maintain her physical health. Edith missed her husband and wanted him to come back, and the distress left her feeling unwell. This situation had continued until she could no longer ignore the unpaid bills and decided to seek help from DIAL and GYROS

Inese spoke to social services on Edith's behalf and arranged for practical support with living arrangements and for a Social Worker to visit on a regular basis to help with self-care. Inese bought in Multi-Disciplinary Worker Jude and she was able to help Edith manage her debts and claim the benefits to which she was entitled. Inese also introduced Life Connector Nancy, who is now supporting Edith as she regains her independence and confidence.

Behind the scenes; Inese's point of view

When I first met Edith I suspected, from her appearance, that she needed help with multiple challenges; when we visited Edith at home we noticed that her flat was unsafe - there were issues with hoarding and there were no cooking or washing facilities

We linked in with Social Services and they arranged for someone to provide Edith with the support she needed.

Our Multi-Disciplinary Worker and Life Connector are now supporting her with both her finances and her confidence as she regains control of her life.

Practice insights: Jade

I felt so alone, but then I met the Life Connector who helped me find the courage to keep going - now I'm back in control!

Jade works as a veterinary nurse and moved to Southtown to be close to her place of work. Then, over a period of months, she had started to feel unwell. Eventually she realised it was time to seek medical help; she was diagnosed with a glandular condition. Her health deteriorated further and she was unable to work, which meant her financial situation became a worry. Determined to find a way through this difficult time she consulted the Citizens Advice Bureau and the council's housing department, before ending up at DIAL.

At DIAL Jade met Multi-Disciplinary Worker James. James was able to help Jade manage her benefits and his colleague Jude was able to support with financial advice. Feeling she might benefit from additional support through her ill health James introduced Jade to Life Connector Sue.

Sue supported Jade as she underwent treatment for her health condition. The condition impaired Jade's energy levels and her short term memory, meaning medical appointments were difficult to access and communication with medical professionals was challenging. Sue supported Jade to remember and attend appointments, acting as an advocate and intermediary when required. Jade is regaining her strength and has begun a phased return to work. Now that she is regaining her independence she sees Sue less frequently, but she says Sue felt like a friend when she was at rock bottom. She was warm and caring and treated her like a human being, with respect.

Behind the scenes; Sue's point of view

When I first met Jade she was struggling financially and needed support with the complex benefits situation that had arisen from her moving from employment to statutory sick pay.

I have given Jade emotional and practical support, both concerning her medical care and with her employment circumstances.

I know that Jade finds her return to work tiring, but work helps her maintain her confidence and self esteem; she feels she has purpose and is once again doing the job she trained for - she is a determined woman and this is helping her to regain her strength and independence.