Recent economic and social circumstances mean many of us may feel like our support networks and protections have been damaged or even removed entirely.
But for Libby this has always been the way.
Growing up in care with limited family and professional support meant that she has always needed to be self-reliant, and early trauma meant that she found it difficult to trust people.
She said: “I had some difficult life experiences as a child, which means I have a lot of anxiety about life”
Libby diagnosis of autism and ADHD created additional barriers in her accessing suitable accommodation once her time in care came to an end, which resulted in a period of homeless.
Thankfully she was referred to our Friendship Works service by her social worker, which matched her with a trusted long-term volunteer mentor who helped her manage her feelings at this time of upheaval.
Libby’s case worker at Family Action, who supervised the pair’s relationship provided Libby with support and guidance through this time of homeless and uncertainty.
Libby’s case worker at Family Action, who supervised the pair’s relationship provided Libby with support and guidance through this time of homeless and uncertainty.
Alongside this Libby’s mentor acted as a protective anchor in her life and she says that having this one supportive, protective anchor has been vital.
Libby added: “I have a difficult relationship with my Local Authority, and they don’t always help me in the way I need.
“Not everyone understands people with autism, but my mentor really gets me”.
Recently Libby has moved into supported housing and, although this gave her a stable base, she was still vulnerable when cost-of-living crisis hit last year, and struggled with essentials like food.
Luckily her Family Action case worker was able to refer Libby for a grant from the Family Action Fund to help ensure she made it through the colder months.
She said: “The Family Action Fund helped me buy food shopping and this would not have been possible without the grant… I would have gone without”.
“The Family Action Fund helped me buy food shopping and this would not have been possible without the grant… I would have gone without”
Libby says that the financial help has increased their feelings of security and reduced anxiety.
She added: “The support Friendship Works has provided to me over the years has been fantastic; life-changing”.
Find out more about how we’re taking action to support people like Libby this year.
