Losing someone close to you on whom you have been dependent all of your life can be devastating. It can not only leave an individual in confusion and emotional turmoil but can also often result in the deterioration of an individual’s mental health and potentially lead to homelessness.
Recent statistics published by the National Audit Office revealed that between 2016 and 2017, a total of 59,090 households were accepted as homeless by their local councils across the UK - 22 per cent more than five years previously.
Among the most common reasons for homelessness were that parents were no longer able to or willing to provide accommodation, which was the case for 8,520 households, while domestic violence affected 6,580 households. Non-violent relationship breakdowns accounted for 2,900 homes while mortgage or rent arrears made up just 360 of the total figures.
Other common factors and experiences that can make people more vulnerable to homelessness include bereavement, poor physical health, mental health problems and alcohol and drugs issues.
Every year, through its wide range of support services the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) ensures that those who are working or have worked in the electrical or energy-related sectors are getting all the support they need during the toughest times in their lives. The Charity recently provided assistance to Charlotte, Sean and Joanne.
Charlotte and Sean lost their mother in 2018, and this was around the time when Sean and his wife Joanne discovered that Charlotte was suffering from a suspected learning disability and mental health problems, leading to the deterioration of her mental health. To help his sister cope with the challenges she was facing, Sean and his wife contacted EIC for assistance, and the Charity was able to offer the family much-needed support in this distressing time.
Charlotte, who is in her twenties and has lived with her mother all of her life, doesn’t have any friends 
and has never worked or obtained a bank account. She has never claimed any benefits or left the house on her own. Since the passing of her mother, Charlotte’s mental health has worsened. She suffers from depression and anxiety and
is unable to perform daily tasks such as cooking, opening the post or leaving the house on her own. She wasn’t receiving any support from the government, which she was
entitled to in order to help with daily living costs.
To safeguard Charlotte’s future, Sean, together with EIC, got in touch with Adult Social Services for assistance, who suggested that the best option for Sean’s younger sister would be to move to supported housing accommodation, but this option was only available if Charlotte got an official diagnosis of her condition from the doctor.
After a lengthy assessment process and correspondence with local services, during which Charlotte was temporarily living with Sean and Joanne, EIC was able to secure social housing for Charlotte as it was agreed that Charlotte did meet the criteria to be placed in the supported housing scheme and was offered a place in September 2018.
EIC cleared all of Charlotte’s debts from the house that she previously lived in with her mum and worked closely with Sean and local authorities in ensuring that she was receiving the benefits that she was entitled to in order to help her with living and household costs.
Sean and Joanne were offered counselling and bereavement therapy, but they both felt that they were not ready for this yet but will inform the Charity if they change their mind. Charlotte is now receiving support from social services on a daily basis, and they are helping her to live independently by supporting her with a range of skills like managing her finances and going on small shopping trips. Charlotte is doing really well in her new home and feeling in a much happier and secure place. Sean and Joanne are extremely thankful for all of the support that EIC has given to their family and are hoping that one day Charlotte will have the skills to live independently. Losing a family member can be distressing and heart-breaking, especially for those who are suffering from learning disabilities. However, thanks to the generosity of people like you who donate every month to powerLottery and support the Charity in a wide range of fundraising events, EIC is able to offer vital assistance to those who have no one to turn to in a time of crisis and give them an opportunity to rebuild their future.
If you or someone you know require assistance, please contact the EIC support team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0800 652 1618.
For further information, please contact Jess Vailima: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.