Lisa* is 22 years old and has multi-complex issues including a learning disability, physical health disability, mental health and substance misuse. She was sexually and physically abused as a child and has also suffered sexual abuse in her young adulthood. She was convicted of an offence for assault and was detained in hospital for 18 months and then discharged a year ago. Lisa has a young son who resides with Lisa’s mother and as she is presently estranged from her parents she has no contact with her son. She is extremely vulnerable and suffers from low-self esteem and a lack of confidence.Lisa was referred to Homecare Independent Living by the Belfast Trust following tenancy breakdown in a range of support living and independent accommodation. At the time of referral Lisa was homeless and living between friend’s homes. She was having difficulties managing her medication which presented a risk to her physical and mental health. She was described as an extremely vulnerable young woman with the risk of sexual exploitation.
Lisa engages extremely well with Homecare support workers. With support from the Peripatetic Service she was allocated temporary accommodation by NIHE and now resides in Homecare property. Lisa receives support from the Peripatetic Service on a daily basis to:
- Manage her medication
- Manage her money
- Establish household routines
- Cook healthy meals
- Reduce risks to herself by making positive informed choices re substance misuse and sexual health.
Lisa is also receiving support from Homecare to apply for supervised contact with her son to work towards rebuilding a positive relationship with her son.
She has recently enrolled in a 12 week course with ‘The Princes Trust’ to assist her further with low self-esteem and confidence and provide her with training/employment/further education/volunteering opportunities. Homecare’s Peripatetic Service have supported her in applying for this course and will continue to assist Lisa attend this.
(*Names changed to protect identities)
