Providing support for Maddie through our crisis intervention service

Crisis intervention service First Point has helped a 59-year-old Dorset woman from the brink of homelessness to stability.

After spending decades in Dorset, Maddie found herself at a crossroads, battling mental and physical ill health with her home under threat as she was unable to pay her rent due to her benefits being halted.

Maddie's turning point came when she was referred to First Point, the You Trust's crisis intervention service in the county, which is part of our Dorset Integrated Prevention Partnership offer. John, her assigned crisis intervention worker, became her unwavering ally. Together, they forged a partnership to confront seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Among the actions taken to help stabilise Maddie's situation included:

* Collaboration with Maddie's landlord's income team to secure a stay on the eviction

* Provision of food parcels and co-op vouchers, ensuring Maddie's immediate needs were met

* Accompanying Maddie to medical appointments

* Coordination of joint visits with the landlord's safety team, enabling vital inspections on the property to proceed

* Submission of a new permanent residency application with the support of her GP

* Enabling Maddie to get her Universal Credit claim and Personal Independence Payment reinstated with backdated payments

* Opening of a bank account and help with navigating digital tools to maintain her benefits independently.

Feedback from referring agencies, housing managers and other clients highlighted the ripple effect of compassionate support. One agency shared their gratitude, noting how John's perseverance succeeded where others had not. Housing managers lauded community engagement efforts like coffee mornings, which fostered dialogue and trust. Clients expressed their appreciation for the patience, kindness and respect shown to them, emphasising the transformative nature of tailored and empathetic support.

Through her partnership with First Point, Maddie reclaimed her life and stability. Her gratitude is echoed in her words: "Thank you for being so kind and not giving up on me."

John said: "This lady was struggling so much over the last 12 months, and I really wanted to do everything I could to make her life better financially, and to see her in a happier state of mind."

The You Trust said Maddie's story is a testament to the importance of crisis intervention. It highlights how practical help, emotional support, and unwavering advocacy can rebuild live. For Maddie, what began as a struggle for survival became a story of resilience and recovery, proving that even in the darkest of times, compassion can light the way.

Every individual deserves support, dignity and a chance to rebuild - and Maddie's journey is proof that with the right help, it's possible, it added.

Councillor Steve Robinson, Dorset Council Portfolio lead for Adult Social Care, praised the You Trust for their support: "This is an outstanding example of how a consistent level of crisis management support can help shape people's lives, enabling Maddie to become more independent and provide greater stability in her life."

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