By The Open Arms Team
A lady came to see us at one of our outreaches requesting assistance completing a PIP form. She had never claimed benefits and was unsure about the process. She once had a successful career helping others thrive in life. Unfortunately, as time went by the future was not kind to her and she developed some serious health conditions and basically gave up caring for herself as she experienced constant fatigue, breathing and mobility difficulties.
She told Lee that she had no family and no longer had friends. As soon as she became ill she started cancelling social events, and noticed her friends ghost her one by one and her social circle eventually dissipated. She became lonely and withdrawn and when she developed mobility issues and was unable to breathe without aids this was the last straw and she stopped going out completely.
Lee was very concerned what she was hearing from this lady and spent quite a while with her. She came to see her a few times and emailed too.
Lee told her not to give up and just take small steps at a time. Lee provided a list of social events in her local area and made suggestions regarding Tai Chi which she expressed an interest in, pain management, hydrotherapy, swimming sessions and chair exercises and physio via her GP. All these would be gentle on her joints and may even control her breathing.
Lee said these were all free to attend although no doubt there would be a wait list but could be accessed via GP and VAR Mental Health Connectors. Lee also sent her a flyer promoting Rotherham Safe Space as she said her loneliest times were during the evenings and at weekends. The team also provide social and practical support to participants as well as emotional so she would also benefit here.
Regarding the social aspect of her concern, Lee talked about various craft and social groups across the Rotherham borough and with the help of Door to Door (a local community transport service for individuals who struggle to use public transport) is far cheaper than the cost of a taxi.
Lee’s time with this lady paid off and she received an email which was upbeat stating that after a very long drawn out wait, the Department of Work and Pensions had finally awarded her PIP for both daily living and mobility at the high rate.
She went on to say, this was all thanks to Lee’s support and she wanted to let us know how grateful she was because without Lee she would have given up even though she knew constant support was needed daily.
She stated what a wonderful service and support Open Arms provides in the community and how relieved she is as going through the process was very stressful and she is so glad it’s finally come to an end.