By the Open Arms Team
We met D at Wath Library. Initially they asked to speak to Citizens Advice about benefits. The advisor was already with another client, so they sat down at the table and waited.
A general discussion was taking place around the table about nostalgic sweets which D joined in with and then stated about wishing they could back to their younger days/happier times with less cares and responsibilities. This became a conversation about the challenges adults can face and the support available now, compared to years ago.
D then opened up to us about their life and how they were now the sole carer for two SEND adult children after their partner died a couple of years ago. As the family were coming to term with this bereavement D suffered their own serious illness, which they are still recovering from. This has now made them worried for the future of their children who rely on the parent(s).
D’s partner had been the person responsible for the finance of the household and dealt with all the bills, payments and benefits received. Since their death D had to take on this role with little or no support. As a result, they had received a message from DWP about their benefits being mismanaged and may be stopped. This was obviously a concern to them as it was the only income coming into the home.
When the advisor became available, We quickly gave them a summary of the conversation with D before sending them through to the confidential space. The advisor was then able to provide D with lots of detailed and practical advice and information for their situation and provided a step-by-step plan to help D and their family. Suggestions were also made of the mental health, SEND and carer support available they could access when ready.
From arriving with the weight of the world on their shoulders D left feeling listened to, supported and with a positive plan in place to resolve the matter.