Case worker Ashifa Dhillon: “I can help them emotionally, we can even cry together”.
SHARE:
A disability support scheme which seeks to pair vulnerable adults in Hounslow with support workers, to encourage independent living, is now available through self-referral. This comes after months of access only through care worker referrals.
Ashifa Dhillon, a senior advice worker at Hounslow Reach, says the scheme is helpful. “We are trying to reach this whole community in a way that impacts them most positively.
“There are services which provide support over the phone or online, but it is different to when I’m sitting with a person. They can process their emotions in a space where they can talk about personal things or professional things, it’s so valuable to them.
“I can help them emotionally, we can even cry together, but I also help them practically by helping them apply for financial support or housing applications.
“I used to have two, maybe three appointments on a Friday, and now I have seven or eight. The service has gotten busier, but I now have an assistant. Before this I had hand cramps from filling out so many forms at each session!”
The “floating support” scheme is a partnership between Hounslow Council and Hounslow Reach. A branch of the rough sleeping charity Thames Reach.
It began in January, but relied on referrals from social care workers.
The scheme sets out that it aims to build a relationship between the carer and the adult where they feel supported enough to live on their own while managing their additional needs. This avoids hospital admissions and reliance on social care services.
Muhammed Chopra is the husband of Maisha, who suffers from epilepsy. They have signed up for the scheme and Muhammed says it will benefit them both greatly.
“We’ve spoken to a worker from the support scheme to tell them about Maisha’s treatment and her symptoms. The care worker we met with understands our needs, I’m working and we need someone who understands our schedule.
“We have only just had our first meeting, we haven’t started the sessions. If the worker can help Maisha while I’m working so I can go into the office it will be revolutionary.”
Cabinet member for adult social care, Councillor Samia Chaudhary, believes the initiative will impact any residents in need. She says, “to have such a fantastic organisation offering support to Hounslow residents fills me with confidence that first-rate support will be available to anyone who needs it.
“The team is already doing fantastic work across the borough and I look forward to working with them further on the excellent Hounslow Reach project. Their presence will make such a difference to our most vulnerable residents’ wellbeing.”
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineExpansion of a disability support scheme in Hounslow will be ‘revolutionary’, says prospective service user
Short HeadlineHounslow scheme will be 'revolutionary', says prospective service user
StandfirstThe ‘floating support’ initiative has been made available to all vulnerable adults within the borough.
A disability support scheme which seeks to pair vulnerable adults in Hounslow with support workers, to encourage independent living, is now available through self-referral. This comes after months of access only through care worker referrals.
Ashifa Dhillon, a senior advice worker at Hounslow Reach, says the scheme is helpful. “We are trying to reach this whole community in a way that impacts them most positively.
“There are services which provide support over the phone or online, but it is different to when I’m sitting with a person. They can process their emotions in a space where they can talk about personal things or professional things, it’s so valuable to them.
“I can help them emotionally, we can even cry together, but I also help them practically by helping them apply for financial support or housing applications.
“I used to have two, maybe three appointments on a Friday, and now I have seven or eight. The service has gotten busier, but I now have an assistant. Before this I had hand cramps from filling out so many forms at each session!”
The “floating support” scheme is a partnership between Hounslow Council and Hounslow Reach. A branch of the rough sleeping charity Thames Reach.
It began in January, but relied on referrals from social care workers.
The scheme sets out that it aims to build a relationship between the carer and the adult where they feel supported enough to live on their own while managing their additional needs. This avoids hospital admissions and reliance on social care services.
Muhammed Chopra is the husband of Maisha, who suffers from epilepsy. They have signed up for the scheme and Muhammed says it will benefit them both greatly.
“We’ve spoken to a worker from the support scheme to tell them about Maisha’s treatment and her symptoms. The care worker we met with understands our needs, I’m working and we need someone who understands our schedule.
“We have only just had our first meeting, we haven’t started the sessions. If the worker can help Maisha while I’m working so I can go into the office it will be revolutionary.”
Cabinet member for adult social care, Councillor Samia Chaudhary, believes the initiative will impact any residents in need. She says, “to have such a fantastic organisation offering support to Hounslow residents fills me with confidence that first-rate support will be available to anyone who needs it.
“The team is already doing fantastic work across the borough and I look forward to working with them further on the excellent Hounslow Reach project. Their presence will make such a difference to our most vulnerable residents’ wellbeing.”
