Abigail’s Story
“After been contacted by Pat, it lifted my spirits so much. I had hit a brick wall and didn’t think I could find a way back, but you have lifted me out of my depression and talked me back to having a reason to go on. You have helped me back to living my life again”
Abigail* was referred to us after she suffered a stroke which affected her sight. She lives with her husband who supports her as she also has arthritis, COPD and has previously had breast cancer.
Being certified as Sight Impaired came as a big shock to Abigail and she found her experience at the eye hospital very traumatising. She found herself sinking into a deep depression and having suicidal thoughts.
Pat from Vision & Hearing Support made contact with Abigail to find out how we could support her and worked through a personal assessment to develop a plan. After Abigail’s goals were identified, equipment was issued to help her with daily living and these in turn improved her emotional wellbeing.
As Abigail could no longer enjoy reading books, a boombox was provided along with an application to RNIB for audio books. Our welfare advisor, Pauline, undertook a financial benefit check and Abigail is now receiving the PIP Attendance Allowance at a higher rate.
Abigail said that “after been contacted by Pat, it lifted my spirits so much. I had hit a brick wall and didn’t think I could find a way back, but you have lifted me out of my depression and talked me back to having a reason to go on. You have helped me back to living my life again”.
*name has been changed
