SSAFA Volunteer Caseworkers at their best

27 November 2023

Over the summer, a new female client contacted SSAFA, requesting assistance with rent deposit and the provision of some essential white and brown goods. After a brief initial discussion, between the client and the SW Regional Office, the case was assigned to Keith Powis, a SSAFA North Somerset Division volunteer caseworker.

Keith made follow up contact with the client and established that she was then in emergency, single room, accommodation and was making an urgent bid for social housing in the local area; for which she needed the white and brown goods. Keith also established that the client had recently been diagnosed with MS and had lost sight in her left eye. It was for these reasons that she had been medically discharged from the Royal Navy and was unable to secure employment. Further the client was many months pregnant and had been abandoned by the baby’s father.

Keith, now armed with a detailed background and a clear understanding of the client’s needs, proceeded with the necessary casework. As a matter of urgency, he arranged for Food Bank vouchers to be supplied. He approached The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the Royal British Legion successfully securing pledges for funding from both – so allowing brown goods and white goods to be procured and delivered to her newly allocated social housing. In addition, Keith secured funding from the Naval Children's Society, to assist the client purchase essential items for what was becoming the imminent birth of her child.

Given that the client’s medical condition would likely prolong her stay in hospital once the baby was born, Keith made contact with the local Home from Hospital Team and Social Housing Support Team. Both of these organisations were happy to assist the client post discharge and help her and her baby settle into their new home.

Owing to Keith’s prompt, comprehensive and compassionate casework this client is now appropriately housed, with decent levels of furnishing and the kitchen and other equipment she needs to care for herself and her new-born child. She is also receiving the care and support that she and her child need to live a happy and secure life.