Cath is in her 50’s and used to work as an Account Manger for a successful company. Her life was good. She had a company car, nice home and didn’t have to worry about money. Then everything changed.
We met Cath at a local drop –in where she volunteers. In this interview she tells us how quick her situation had changed from living in private housing to living in a social housing flat
12 years previously, Cath’s mum had died and her dad developed Alzheimer’s shortly afterwards. He was declining very quickly and Cath took on some of the care.
Eventually the extra commitment and grieving for two parents in a different ways started to affected her fulltime work as an Account Manager. This and other work pressures were leading to her loss of a very highly paid job and her company car.
She managed to keep up her mortgage payments for a while but eventually had the house repossessed and found herself in a hostel.
Over a number of years she had lost her mum, her dad, her job, her home and life as she knew it.
Cath tells us she had never used a bus before, accessed services or signed on. She had no idea how to access services, where to go. She eventually applied for JSA after her savings ran out and friends had said she will need to have her national insurance contribution paid.
Cath feels lucky, she says the hostel was fantastic in supporting her and finding her a flat within two month, as well as helping her to furnish it from the local furniture station.
Sadly there were more tragic events to come. Her brother passed away and a new relationship ended in her being beaten up and admitted to hospital. Her ex-partner was sentenced to 4 years in prison.
Not surprisingly Cath had a breakdown and started drinking heavily. She now feels much better but is open about her ups and downs. There are days when she can’t get out of bed and avoids people. She knows alcohol is still an issue but nowhere as near as it initially was. She loves volunteering. The new friendships have made a real difference to her wellbeing. Being able to support others, give something back and ‘have a laugh’ has been invaluable. Cath is now on ESA and is working towards going back to work.
Meeting Cath you would never know about the hardship she has endured. She is welcoming, friendly, bubbly, caring and loves a laugh. Her story brings home how vulnerable we all are and how quick life can change for all of us.
This story was written up as part of the Stockport Community Insight programme.