By Lee Lazenby, Open Arms Team
Due to a change of political party in government bringing about a transformation to our existing benefits and welfare system which has been implemented over recent months, we have had a few successes.
One of which was a lady called Jane whom I first came across on the evening of the 7th of November via our Face Book page. She was enquiring about the days, times and locations of our Open Arms Community Hub sessions.
I responded and sent her our latest timetable.
Jane told me where she lived, and that she would attend at the earliest opportunity. I said I looked forward to meeting her as I would be at the outreach on the day in question.
She attended two days later. Jane told me she had been turned down twice previously for Pension Credit. I asked her when this was. She checked and it was a short while ago. On the second occasion it was just a few pounds that took her over the threshold for applying. I helped her fill in her registration form and it was then Jane said she felt lonely. I advised her to request a benefit check, just in case there was anything else she might be entitled to and whilst she was waiting, I signposted her to a few social groups in her area. She was quite reserved, but I persuaded her to approach a group in the library and have a word with them. She was very happy I had taken the time to listen to her and she admitted she was starting to feel better and hopeful. The CARD adviser was a big help to her too. He sorted everything out and said all she had to do was to wait and see what happened.
It was not long at all before I saw Jane again. On the 19th of November she turned up at Riverside Library just to thank us for everything we had done for her. She couldn’t quite believe it when her bank account had been credited to what was a Pension Credit, the first of many. Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs if you are of pensionable age and on a low income. Now she is receiving this benefit, Jane can now apply to R.M.B.C and make a claim for housing benefit as she is a council tenant. Also available to her is a winter fuel payment, a council tax discount as well as many other things subject to age and/or dependant on which type of pension credit awarded, plus assistance with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Jane said she was over the moon regarding the outcome.
Jane got in touch with me again through Facebook as I had asked her previously if she had considered becoming a volunteer due to her feeling of loneliness, time on her hands and maybe boost her confidence. I offered encouragement as she said she would not have anything to offer so I explained she could get involved as much or as little as she wanted. No pressure as volunteering is meant to be fun, enjoyable and rewarding to all involved. Jane agreed and then mentioned since her last visit, she had received a £200 heating allowance. She went on to say she had been on a “right downer” over the past few weeks, she wasn’t interested in preparing for Christmas, but this had lifted her spirits, and she is really looking forward to the festive season now. She has yet to let me know if she managed to also receive a discount on both her rent and council tax, although she did state she is more than happy with the heating allowance. I don’t think she was expecting that, at least not that princely sum.
Who knows, we may even have Jane volunteering on The Open Arms Project in 2025. What a testimony that would be.