John and his father, Brian, attend the arts and craft group each week. John has extensive disabilities and his father is his main carer.

John finds the group a warm, welcoming space. It provides him with familiar faces, a change of scenery and provides a much needed ‘anchor’ to his week.  Brian also chooses to attend the group and it’s somewhere he can confide in staff – as well get further help as needed. Since attending, both now volunteer for half a day on the DRC reception as well as attend the Breakfast Club.

Margaret has limited mobility and severe arthritis, which significantly affects her overall quality of life. She rarely left home and had become increasingly socially isolated. 

Since joining our Wellbeing Group, she has made consistent progress. She has gradually built up her confidence and formed meaningful friendships. 

Physically, she is demonstrating improved mobility, strength and flexibility – indeed her general movement have improved, enabling her to feel more capable in day-to-day tasks.

She recently shared that her daughter has observed a positive transformation in her overall confidence, mood, and physical wellbeing since joining the programme.

Linda joined our digital inclusion course at a local community centre and was nervous, having never used a computer before. While confident using her mobile phone, she wanted to move beyond casual use and learn how to use technology properly. She was particularly concerned about her safety online.  

Through the course, Linda participated in an internet safety session making her feel much safer and more in control online.  She also learned how to use email and began exploring Microsoft Excel – using the budgeting features to help organise her household finances – a skill which she passed on to her family. 

Linda is no longer afraid of technology and has now decided to pursue further I.T. training.

Clare is a mum of one and worked full time for a lorry company. She suffers from various musculoskeletal difficulties – and despite seeing the doctor was struggling to stay in her work which she loved.   We worked with her and arranged a physiotherapy referral which hugely helped her condition. We also helped adapt her work environment with a new chair and other reasonable adjustments.

This support has helped her to stay in her job, which has had a positive impact on her physical and mental health.  She is receiving ongoing support from physiotherapy and being back at work full time ensures her financial security. 

Sue was referred for support with Attendance Allowance. She had several health conditions, including COPD, emphysema, and limited mobility and required her husband’s assistance both day and night.

However, her husband, was also facing his own health challenges due to a cancer diagnosis, and they were struggling to make ends meet including having difficulty staying warm.

Staff assisted in completing an Attendance Allowance application form, which resulted in an award at the Higher Rate and a much-needed back payment. A follow-up check revealed that the couple were also eligible for Pension Credit which we helped with.

To improve their comfort and warmth, staff provided fleece and electric blankets. We also referred Sue to Age UK for a microwave, which they received. The positive impact of this joined up support has been significant. The additional financial assistance, alongside the provision of heating aids, has helped the couple stay warmer and more comfortable, increasing their quality of life.