Community Plus: Supporting Mr P
Initial Contact and Challenges
Community Plus contacted Mr P following his discharge from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. Mr P had several health conditions that were limiting his daily activity, money had become tight, and he was finding day-to-day living challenging.
Mr P requested help and support with accessing food, household items, and benefits. He shared that he was of low mood, lonely, isolated, and housebound due to his medical conditions. Mr P also expressed a desire to make friends, be more socially active, and become more independent.
Immediate Support and Ongoing Health Issues
Mr P was going through some financial difficulties, so a Community Coordinator visited Mr P at his home and organised an immediate food delivery. Despite continued poor health and several hospital visits, including a stay in a supported living home, Mr P received ongoing support.
During one of the home visits, a Community Coordinator introduced Mr P to an advisor from the Independent Children and Families Service (ICAFS), who provides financial advice. It soon became apparent that Mr P had not been claiming his state pension.
Collaborative Efforts and Achievements
Working with ICAFS and several other organisations, including Jubilee Centre, Welcome Centre, Forget Me Not Children’s Charity, Methodist Homes for the Aged, Saint Vincent De Paul, and Dalton Together, Community Plus was able to:
- Provide clothing, shoes, cleaning products, bedding, food parcels, a washing machine, new sofa, blinds, a key safe, and a fridge freezer.
- Source a cleaning company to perform a deep clean of the property.
- Support Mr P in applying for financial support.
- Help Mr P access a Luncheon Group.
- Share details of the Silverline telephone befriending service.
- Undertake a full benefits check, resulting in Mr P being granted his state pension from the Department of Work and Pensions.
Improved Financial Security and Social Engagement
With more financial security, Mr P has been able to purchase additional essentials for his home and pay for a Personal Assistant to support him regularly. Mr P is aware he can call the Silverline telephone befriending service at any time if he feels low in mood and needs someone to talk to. He plans to attend a coffee morning at New Church, Dalton when he is well enough, providing an opportunity to meet and chat with others.