When trauma forces someone to flee their homeland, the journey to safety is only the beginning of a much longer path to recovery. For Lily (name changed), the horror of witnessing a gang-related shooting in Ireland led to a desperate escape that landed her in unfamiliar territory—both geographically and emotionally. Uprooted and alone, she found herself drowning in an overwhelming confluence of challenges: profound trauma, mounting financial pressure, deteriorating health, and the looming threat of homelessness. It’s in these moments of crisis, when multiple systems seem to fail simultaneously, that the true value of coordinated support becomes evident.
Gateways Family Services’ holistic approach to social prescribing demonstrates how connecting people to the right resources at the right time can transform seemingly insurmountable obstacles into manageable challenges, offering not just practical assistance but also the precious commodity of hope when it’s needed most.
A Life in Crisis
Lily (name changed) fled Ireland after witnessing a gang-related shooting, carrying the weight of trauma while battling financial hardship and health concerns. Unable to work due to ongoing mental and physical struggles, she found herself trapped in an overwhelming situation. Her recent diagnosis of COPD only added to her distress, leaving her uncertain about the future.
One of her biggest concerns was her tenancy. A Housing Benefit issue had led to mounting rent arrears, causing her severe anxiety. She had been advised to declare herself homeless to access emergency accommodation—an option that filled her with fear. The constant financial strain, alongside her deteriorating mental health, made it difficult for her to see a way forward.
Building a Support Network
Referred to Social Prescriber Sophie Tough, Lily finally had someone to turn to. Sophie provided immediate support by referring her to Citizens Advice’s GP on Prescription service for guidance on tenancy rights and Universal Credit issues. This referral helped Lily take control of her financial situation and begin resolving her rent concerns.
Sophie also addressed Lily’s health worries, signposting her to COPD support services, including Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Better Breathers Exercise Classes. She encouraged her to contact the Asthma and Lung Condition Helpline for further advice on managing her condition.
Holistic Care and Healing
Recognising that Lily needed more than just practical assistance, Sophie ensured she had emotional support as well. She connected her with counselling services through the Living Well Consortium and provided details of local drop-in services. Additionally, food and fuel vouchers were issued to ease some of her immediate financial burdens.
Over six sessions, Lily made incredible progress. With the support of Citizens Advice, she was managing her rent issues more confidently. Her sons had stepped in to help her communicate with Solihull Community Housing and the DWP, ensuring her concerns were heard. She had also started an Anger Management course with a Mental Health Practitioner, helping her gain better control over her emotions.
“You’ve been the light in my darkest days,” Lily said. “Every service you’ve connected me with has been brilliant.” While challenges remain, she now faces them with renewed confidence and ongoing support.
Lily’s journey illustrates the transformative power of coordinated care when addressing complex needs. By connecting her with appropriate services, providing emotional support, and helping her navigate complicated systems, Gateway’s Social Prescribing service enabled her to move from crisis to confidence. Her story highlights how effective social prescribing doesn’t just address immediate problems—it helps rebuild lives by strengthening connections to community resources and empowering individuals to take control of their circumstances, even after experiencing profound trauma and displacement.
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