Barbara's story

Barbara, 60, had lost a loved one, her Mother, and experienced a marriage break-up. She was left with significantly reduced income and financial issues. Her carers benefit stopped, as she had been a carer for her Mother, however, she also wasn’t ready for work as she was concerned about her mental health. Rachel in the mental health services team, worked with Barbara as part of the Money and Me support and service which Lancashire Mind now offers.  

Goals at the outset of the sessions were to address Barbara’s pension and also to plan ahead rather than coping with problems as they arose. Barbara also wanted to feel more part of a community and felt, going into social situations, that she didn’t fit in.  

Rachel worked with Barbara on both the financial and social aspects. They met in a Church community café, which felt like such a pleasant environment to Barbara. As a result, she was introduced to the people that lead the café and she has become part of the community. She has exhibited artwork at one of their shows and has been asked to volunteer working in the café. She was still unsure if she’d fit in and how people would respond to her. Rachel talked with her about how to create boundaries in a positive way, in a social situation. As a result, she now feels she can say yes to socialising with people.  

On the financial side Barbara has often been perceived as someone who looks after herself well and doesn’t “look” like the sort of person to be using services such as foodbanks, which has led to embarrassing situations when she has been asking for help face to face. Barbara talked with Rachel about how to have difficult conversations with others and how to view herself more positively.  

The result is that Barbara is socialising, more, is asking for help more than she ever has and engaging much more assertively and positively.