Although I had previously volunteered in various contexts, I had no experience of ‘befriending’ when I started supporting Freyer* in September 2023. All I had to draw on was experience of trying to be the best friend I can be to my friends and doing my best to be a compassionate line manager before I retired. Looking back, it is hard now to believe I was apprehensive because it has been such a positive experience. I really enjoy spending time with Freyer – no matter how tough things are sometimes, we always manage to laugh. I cannot believe how much I have learnt about benefits, debt management and healthcare support. Freyer’s interest in history and the pleasure she gets from sharing her knowledge means I know things now that clearly passed me by at school.
Before we started working together Freyer was struggling following the sudden death of her partner, with lack of money to cover her basic living costs and her own health issues. My initial objectives were to try help Freyer combat her loneliness and to provide support towards to improving her financial situation whilst encouraging her to engage with and manage her health issues more effectively.
Freyer’s Connection Support Case Worker had already helped her submit an application for PIP. The subsequent screening phone interview wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, however, between us we must have got it right because just before Christmas Freyer received the letter to say her PIP application had been successful. This coupled with Universal Credit confirming Freyer’s status as LCWRA (limited capability for work- and work-related activity) has more than doubled her benefit income. This meant we were able to start tackling her debts. The debt charity we have been working with has been amazing, I have also been impressed by the compassion shown by Freyer’s creditors. That said I am very aware of how hard it must be for someone to navigate this terrain on their own. I am fortunate to have a well-equipped home office, a good education, and a long professional career to draw on. Plus, I can be tenacious when the need arises. I’m not a particularly patient person so working through what has been a fairly longwinded and complex process has been good for my self-development. I am proud of Freyer for using a significant chunk of her PIP backpay to replace her broken washing machine and cooker.
Together we have engaged with healthcare appointments, something which had previously been a challenge. For example, I attended the Desmond programme for diabetes management with Freyer and took her to the diabetic foot clinic and diabetic eye screening. In addition to living expenses, Freyer also receives PIP mobility funding. She is now able to get taxis on her own to routine health appointments. Irrespective of not being able to afford taxis, this is something that Freyer would have found too dauting to contemplate a couple of months ago. We both attended the recent assessment to investigate whether there were aids she could have installed or adjustments that could be made to her home. The bath lift has been fitted already, and the installation of a second banister and toilet frame is expected shortly.
I’m planning to accompany Freyer in a taxi to do a supermarket shop as the next step towards building her confidence, helping her gain more independence and getting her out of the house. Our to do list also includes ensuring Freyer can make good use of the domestic filing system I have created for her. Freyer has achieved the first two milestones in this process – the first being to open correspondence and the second to identify a suitable place for the filing system. Freyer really enjoys growing things, we initially bonded over me showing her how to make pasta sauce from the tomatoes she grew last summer. Now spring seems to be slowly on its way; I hope to arrange some voluntary help to clear Freyer’s garden which is currently threatening to be colonised by brambles so we can share seeds and enjoy growing things together.
And in case this sounds like all work and no play – the photo which accompanies this case study was taken when we were enjoying a cup tea after a visit to the Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney.
At the risk of sounding completely naff, it has been a real privilege and an exceptionally rewarding experience to be able to help Freyer as she works towards a happier life. The support I have received from my Connection Support Supervisor and Freyer’s Case Worker has been invaluable – I have particularly valued the autonomy I have given to determine and shape the best way forward.
*Client’s name has been changed
