From Isolation to Empowerment: A Story of Accessible Housing
Situation: A 58-year-old Black Caribbean man living in emergency accommodation was facing severe challenges. Legally blind, with partial hearing loss and epilepsy, he struggled to manage essential tasks like using a phone or email. His living conditions were unsuitable, exacerbating his physical and emotional distress. He reached out for help with his housing situation.
Solution and Results: Our Social Prescribing Link Worker (SPLW) liaised directly with the patient's housing officer and advocated on his behalf. Understanding his accessibility needs, the SPLW referred him to Synergy Penrose for ongoing support and signposted him to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). The SPLW also offered consistent emotional support throughout the process.
The patient has now moved into a newly built, suitable accommodation. He is being supported by a dedicated worker and will receive an RNIB assessment and grants for equipment to improve his quality of life. He expressed deep gratitude for the help, saying he finally feels seen, supported, and hopeful.
Need Help?: Tailored support can transform lives. If you or someone you know needs help navigating services due to a disability or housing difficulty, ask your Brent GP for a referral to a social prescriber.
When Language is a Barrier, Advocacy Makes the Difference
Situation: A 69-year-old African woman was struggling with rent arrears after her housing benefit was reduced due to a non-dependent deduction related to her son with mental health issues. She felt overwhelmed, stressed, and found it difficult to communicate with housing services due to a language barrier.
Solution and Results: Our Social Prescriber advocated on her behalf by contacting the housing benefits team to explain the full context of her son's mental health condition. This led to the non-dependent deduction being reduced from the maximum to the minimum amount. She reported a significant improvement in her emotional and physical wellbeing and was also connected to further community-based support. She now feels more confident and far less anxious.
Need Help?: Advocacy matters. If you're facing language or communication barriers, social prescribing can help ensure you're heard and supported. Speak to your Brent GP to get started.
Breathing Easier: A Parking Space That Changed Everything
Situation: A 62-year-old Indian man with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and osteoarthritis was struggling with mobility. The short walk to his car left him breathless and in pain, severely limiting his independence.
Solution and Results: Our Social Prescriber helped him apply for a personalised parking space directly outside his home. Once approved, he described the change as "a weight lifted off his chest."
Now, he can leave his home more easily and manage daily tasks with greater confidence and less physical strain.
Need Help?: Small changes can make a big difference. If you're facing mobility challenges, a Social Prescriber can help you explore supportive solutions. Speak to your Brent GP today.
From Scarcity to Stability: Supporting an Asylum Seeker in Crisis
Situation: A 29-year-old asylum seeker with anxiety and depression was living in shared accommodation and struggling to meet basic needs. Though she was using her limited savings for rent, she couldn't afford food or clothing.
Solution and Results: Our Social Prescriber made a referral to a local food bank and helped her access clothing support by connecting her with a local charity. The patient reported feeling immediate relief after receiving her first food parcel. Having spoken about how her situation impacted her mental health, she was also referred to Talking Therapies for counselling and signposted to local support groups to help her manage her wellbeing better.
She recently reported that she now feels more supported and less alone in navigating her difficult circumstances.
Need Help?: If you’re struggling with basic needs, you are not alone. Social Prescribers can guide you to vital resources. If you have a Brent GP, ask your practice about social prescribing support.
From Financial Shock to Security After Hospital Stay
Situation: A 61-year-old White British man was hospitalised for four months due to an infection and confusion. Upon returning home, he discovered his Universal Credit had been stopped. He was overwhelmed and unsure of how to recover both physically and financially.
Solution and Results: Initially referred only for a wheelchair when our Social Prescriber discovered that the patient was also struggling financially. They contacted his Universal Credit's (UC) work coach with a discharge letter, submitted a new UC application, and supported him in starting a claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The patient expressed appreciation for the support and now feels more informed and hopeful. Ongoing support is continuing while they await for the PIP application outcome.
Need Help?: Life disruptions can feel devastating, but help is available. If you need support after hospitalisation or illness, a social prescriber can assist you in getting back on track.
From Damp Despair to a Safe Home: A Mother’s Journey
Situation:A 45-year-old White British single mother renting privately was dealing with ongoing damp and mould in her home. It was affecting her children’s health and her ability to feel safe and comfortable.
Solution and Results: Our SPLW supported her in contacting tenants’ rights organisations and understanding her housing options. A formal inspection was carried out, leading to necessary repairs. The SPLW also wrote letters on her behalf to ensure the issue was resolved thoroughly. The result was a mould-free, healthier living environment. She shared that she now feels empowered, healthier, and more in control of her living situation.
Need Help?: No one should live in unsafe housing. If you're struggling with home conditions, speak to your Brent GP and ask for an appointment with a Social Prescriber.
Brent Mencap
379-381 High Rd, London NW10 2JR Tel: 020 8451 5278
Registered Charity Number: 1077038