Clare (not her real name) suffered panic attacks and anxiety and turned to drink to escape her mental health issues. But that made things worse and soon her life was out of control. Her memory was sketchy, her health a concern.
She was constantly under the influence of alcohol - or unwell because of withdrawing from it - and would regularly call ambulances and be admitted to A&E - up to four times a week.
Clare’s chaotic lifestyle and memory issues meant she was unable to manage her tenancy, her finances, or address her health problems. Living in a state of self neglect, she was at risk of becoming homeless or seriously ill.
She was accepted onto our Dual Diagnosis project in 2010. With our support Clare began to develop independent living skills, including budgeting and paying bills. We helped her register with a GP and attend hospital appointments. They began to investigate her physical and mental health issues. We also assisted Clare in reporting household repairs needed, including urgent problems previously unreported like a gas leak.
Things got worse before they got better and we referred her to Social Services as she was putting herself at risk - spending time with an abusive partner among other things.
“I was amazed by their support”
Clare said she felt isolated as friends didn’t want to hear her problems but discovering The Whitechapel Centre was a new beginning. “Since I met them, I had a support worker who visited me every week. I was amazed at their support - and that I had serious debts which I could not cope with at all. I was unable to pay for my own heating in order to keep myself warm.
“The Whitechapel Centre helped me, they made telephone calls and arranged, for example, to get gas and electric meters put in my property so I can pay for what I use as I go along. I was completely incapable of sorting it out for myself.”
Since undergoing detox in hospital in August 2011, Clare gave up alcohol and her chaotic lifestyle became a thing of the past. She cut down smoking, enjoyed painting and decorating her flat, as well as getting involved in new activities, meeting new people and addressing her mental health issues.
With our support, along with the assistance arranged by Social Services, Clare was then able to manage her finances and tenancy. Her physical and mental health drastically improved.
She added, “With the help that The Whitechapel Centre gave me I am able to cope much better. They made me feel a lot more confident in myself. Every week I looked forward to the support worker who spent time with me, helping me with my anxieties and problems. [At the time I felt that] if I could not see my support worker any more I’d feel that there’d be no other organisation to turn to and I’d feel a very sad loss.” Clare was empowered by knowing that she was back in control of her life, in better health and had the support she needed.
