By The Open Arms Team, Lee Lazenby
A lady recently attended Open Arms Community Hub seeking support with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review. She had previously been awarded the standard rate but was unsuccessful in receiving the mobility component. At the time, she chose not to pursue a mandatory reconsideration, however due to her health conditions worsening, she has now decided to reapply in the hope of securing the additional support she needs.
While waiting to arrange an appointment with Citizens Advice for assistance with completing the forms, we spent some time talking and it quickly became apparent that she had been carrying a great deal emotionally as well as physically.
She shared how difficult she had found it to come to terms with her diagnosis and how, over time, she had learned that her prognosis was worse than first anticipated. Prior to becoming unwell, she had enjoyed a successful career holding senior roles for major corporations across the world. She described herself as an independent and respected businesswoman who had spent much of her life helping others develop and succeed.
Now, however, she found herself struggling to ask for help. She spoke openly about feeling that needing support went against the values and standards she had always set for herself. Having always been self-sufficient, she admitted she felt uncomfortable relying on others or accessing financial support, something she never imagined she would have to do.
We reassured her that reaching out for support was a positive first step and acknowledged the courage it had taken to walk through the doors of Open Arms. During the conversation, a range of wellbeing and support options were discussed to help improve both her physical and emotional health.
This included signposting to chair-based exercise groups, chronic pain workshops, hydrotherapy and swimming sessions, and Tai Chi classes, all of which could be accessed through her GP and mental health connector services to support her wellbeing, fitness, balance, and coordination.
Recognising that loneliness and emotional wellbeing can become more difficult during evenings and weekends, we also provided information about Rotherham Safe Space alongside details of local women’s support groups and community coffee mornings across the borough.
All information was also sent via email so she could revisit it in her own time and at her own pace. She expressed gratitude for being listened to so attentively and for being provided with practical, compassionate guidance during what has clearly been a very challenging period in her life.