Stockport’s Mental Health Network Community, led by Pure Innovations, is providing a lifeline for many Stockport residents.
From arranging emergency support for women in domestic abuse environments to making hundreds of essential shopping drop-offs, the team is making a huge difference to many lives.
Here is a glimpse at some of the varied work it has been doing.
Benefits Advice Success
People with poor physical and mental health can all too often fall into financial difficulties that escalate their problems. The benefits system is there to support but can be so difficult to navigate. This is how the MHN Community team helped one female resident struggling with mental health and financial difficulties.
First it connected with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to look into her benefits. Calculations revealed that as her partner was also her carer they would be better off moving to Universal Credit. The CAB then made the move and now Universal Credit covers her full rent.
The MHN support enabled the same client appeal a decision denying her the mobility element in her Personal Independence Payment. She was awarded an extra £200 a month and was back-paid £6,400. Both successes greatly relieved the pressures she was under.
Housing Matters
The MHN team has also been actively engaged in supporting clients with other housing issues. Many people require someone to speak for them and to help navigate complex forms and application processes.
For one client keen to move to a home of her own, this began with the MHN Community team creating a budgeting plan. She was then accompanied to a drop-in session held by The Prevention Alliance for advice and information on moving homes.
Now the team is helping her gather relevant documents. These include a previous housing tenancy reference and medical confirmation around her mental health. These will support her housing application to Stockport Homes. A little support can go a long way.