Beneficiary Case Studies
Case Study 1
The client is a 38-year-old stroke survivor who was having trouble managing his bills and affording food as he was spending his money on taxis’ as he had trouble walking after a recent stroke. We placed him on the social supermarket after an assessment but then assisted him with sorting out his finances. He had made a recent claim for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and was advised he would receive it but payments did not start so we assisted him in finding out why and getting them restarted. Likewise, there was a problem with a recent Discretionary Housing claim he had made so we liaised with them to resolve outstanding issues and get payments in place. This was particularly appreciated by the client as following his stroke he had developed a stutter and did not have the confidence to speak to Agencies on his own.
The client also had an outstanding water debt so an application was made to Seven Trent Trust Fund and his debt of £654 was cleared and he was accepted onto the Big Difference Scheme so he could maintain ongoing water payments and not find himself in debt. Although the client remains on the social supermarket, he has made progress in managing his financial commitments but still struggles to manage the high costs he experiences in relation to managing his stroke recovery so he lives on a tight budget. To assist the client, look towards the future, get him out and about, building his confidence and hopefully helping him move towards the workplace a referral was also made to Grapevine who are now giving him ongoing support.
Case Study 2
On the surface, the World Foods Food Hub exists to support those Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Economic Migrant families facing food poverty. The project has grown since its opening in November 2020 and over 310 families have registered to use the service.
We were asked by an existing WFFH member, if we could provide food for her neighbour (Client A)- a single parent, in poor health and with 3 young children to support. Without question, we responded by sending a food parcel, free of charge for 6 weeks.
At the end of the 6 weeks, we met with Client A and realised what a desperate situation she was in. Her health was such that mobility was very limited she was unable to leave the house, GPs were refusing to visit (insisting that she had to attend the surgery) and the children were having to act as carers
The client wanted to maintain her dignity as far as possible and opted to join the WFFH, paying the £5 by direct debit. We delivered her food parcel every week with the help of a volunteer driver. We also made a referral to a partner organisation – Coventry Law Centre.
Their input has resulted in:
• GPs contacted and home visit arranged. Client has a lifelong disability which necessitated an urgent (and lengthy) stay in hospital.
• Appropriate benefits applied for and gained, with back dated payments resulting in life changing sums of money for the client and her family.
• Occupational health and carers have been put in place to visit the client in her own home.
• A wheelchair has been provided.
• A disability parking badge has been gained which allows the client’s friend to take her out shopping and socialising with the children.
• Social services are on board to support the children and the client in a non-invasive way.
Client stated that she was delighted with the service she received from both the WFFH and The Law Centre. She is now in a position to purchase her own food from local supermarkets and shops.
Case Study 3
David lives with his wife. David has heart and knee problems. They are claiming Universal Credit and Philip is claiming low award PIP.
When David first visited the social supermarket in August, he was extremely embarrassed and said that visiting hurt his pride. He is a proud man, but he was finding it very difficult to pay his bills and get enough food for himself and his wife. When he received a flier through his door about the Social Supermarket, he felt it was a must service for him. He was quiet and didn’t interact much with staff, volunteers, or other customers.
David has attended weekly and has formed a trusting relationship with staff. He often offloads his weekly worries and reports that he feels safe getting things off his chest. He feels that accessing the foodbank has led to a “better life” and not only does he have enough food now, but his stress levels have also lessened dramatically.