Our Stories: Andrea

In our Improving Futures programme we come across people in dire circumstances – we’re often dealing with bereavements, abusive relationships, alcoholism and drug issues, multiple health issues, financial abuse and much more.

However, whatever challenges the people we work with face they never give up hope for a better future.

When we first came into contact with Andrea she was caring for her terminally ill mother. She lived with her teenage son and nine year old daughter in a two bedroomed house. She didn’t have enough money for her daughter to participate in after-school activities, which she worried was impacting on her behaviour and skills. She was also struggling herself with her weight and the associated health issues. To compound all of this Andrea’s mother died shortly after we had starting working with her.

Through Improving Futures, Andrea was able to access bereavement support and also help with switching benefits, as she was no longer a carer and now works part-time. Our team arranged a meeting with a local housing manager and her family have now moved into a three bedroomed house.

We were also able to arrange for her daughter to attend many out-of-school activities including swimming, dance classes, climbing, educational visits to local museums and more. Andrea herself received support with her health and has now met requirements for gastric bypass operation.

To date she has lost six stone, given up smoking and feels much healthier and confident.

When facing such a multitude of challenges many others may just give up but Andrea had the desire and drive to change hers and her families situation.