For the last 15 years, Diane had been caring for her mum who suffered with severe dementia before sadly passing away at the end of last year. Caring around-the-clock for her mum took up most of Diane’s time, leaving little for herself to enjoy. Lost, isolated and depressed, Diane found it extremely difficult to embrace life as normal; leaving the house became a mammoth task and panic attacks a frequent event.
How did we support
Engagement Workers at The Community Hub started to identify suitable groups and activities to ease her feeling of isolation, support her to socialise and engage in the community once again. Alongside this, the team put support measures in place to help Diane to overcome feelings of anxiety and improve her overall health and wellbeing, step by step.
Despite mobility problems, Diane was keen to get involved in the great outdoors and was more than happy to try our small walking group, Mooch and Mingle! After a couple of sessions, Diane’s initial nerves were starting to vanish, and her Engagement Worker quickly latched onto the perfect opportunity to introduce The Nurture Group held at a local allotment, hoping it would allow her inner sparkle began to shine.
Just two sessions in, her Engagement Worker was right: “I loved it here, the people are so nice and it’s very peaceful here. I’ll make my own way from next week. Thanks for introducing me to this group and supporting me thoroughly.“
The Future
Diane was also referred to Pure Innovation’s IAPT team for counselling support and after getting assessed by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, was referred to SPARC counselling services.
Diane has made a massive change to her lifestyle. From not answering any calls due to anxiety, to speaking with confidence over the phone, attending activities independently, making friends and most importantly, feeling happier.
