We recently caught up with some of the people accessing our Wellbeing Hub, delivered in partnership with the Greater Manchester Integrated Rehabilitation Service. Read below to find out what impact the hub is already having.
Background
Mo was referred to the hub in September 2024 to get support with applying for PIP. He lives on his and was not motivated enough to look after himself, eat well and struggled sleeping. Mo was getting £298 from Universal credit and from this he paid £116 for gas & electric, £20 for water and, £123 for council tax. He said all his money went towards paying bills. Mo said he was not himself anymore and did not find it easy to mix with people.
Mo suffers with anxiety and PTSD, Plantar Fascitis, overgrown right knee, and had keyhole surgery in the left knee which sometimes locks.
Mo said he did not feel good about his mental and physical health. When outdoors and around people he thinks they are talking about him and hears voices. He had been prescribed medication for anxiety and PTSD which sometimes help him cope. He was adamant he needed more medical help with his mental health before things got worse. Whilst in prison Mo said he accessed CBT and EDMR therapy and this helped.
Mo was initially not keen on engaging with the hub and re-arranged the offered appointments twice.
Mo said his issues with Alcohol and drugs where in the past and he only used them to cope but does not use substances anymore and spends his time indoors at home watching TV or sometimes visiting family if he felt well enough.
Support Needs Identified
At the initial conversation Mo explained that he was getting support to complete his PIP claim and all he needed support with was to apply for a council tax reduction as he was paying £123 a month from Universal credit and having no money left to buy food and pay other daily living costs.
Mo also received a letter that stated he had an outstanding amount on his account of £581.40 to pay for his previous address. Mo was adamant he paid the council tax that was due whilst he was at that property and the amount outstanding was likely to be from when he was in custody.
Mo asked for support to access digital skills sessions to further enhance his IT skills and make meaningful use of his time by completing online courses.
Support provided and challenges faced.
Mo was supported to complete a council tax support claim.
Mo was referred to a company called ‘Starting Point’ to complete Digital Skills sessions and borrow a device to use at home for up to 6 months.
Mo was supported to complete an exemption council tax form for the outstanding amount and provided dates he was in custody to support his case for an exemption.
Foundation 92 staff spoke to Mo about the ways he could improve his mental wellbeing (learning a new skill, making/creating connections with others, exercise, giving his time, improving his sleep routine).
Foundation 92 staff encouraged Mo to consider accessing the wellness session at the hub as different activities are covered each week such as guided mediation, breathing work, sound healing and more that could improve his mental wellbeing. However, Mo was not keen on accessing a group session.
Foundation 92 discussed a referral to a psychological wellbeing service and to talking therapists. Mo was happy for the referrals to be made, and Foundation 92 caseworkers informed Mo about the counselling sessions at the hub that he could also access in the meantime.
Mo arranged a GP appointment to discuss how he felt and requested a medication review.
Outcomes
Pathways have been established to help Mo maintain and sustain an income, safely managing money, and reducing debt.
Following the council tax claim, Mo’s monthly bill was reduced from £123 to £35, saving him £88 per month which he was so pleased about, and that saved amount can now go to other bills.
Mo’s referral to Starting Point was received and he was contacted with details on where he can go to access digital skills support for free. Mo will also be getting a device from the scheme to use at home for up to 6 months to complete any online courses.
Mo is awaiting a response following his council tax payment exemption claim and he continues to engage well with the hub. Mo has attended his initial appointment with his GP and says he has been prescribed different medication which he finds is much better as he has reported that he is feeling more stable mentally.