Coleen is a Lewisham resident in her 30s who came to our attention through requesting ongoing Foodbank support from our Hub during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Using a person centred approach, Community Connections Lewisham was able to assess the main underlying issues behind her Foodbank dependency and identify some practical goals with her. One of the main issues was her poor mental health.

She struggles with severe anxiety, depression and self-harm, and this had been worsened due to a recent flat flooding that left her without a fridge or oven, making her more reliant on take away meals and leading to a long term dispute with her housing association. Through our service, Coleen was referred to both the Lewisham Mental Health Team and the charity ‘Lewisham Community Wellbeing’, which provides free professional counselling sessions (currently over the phone).

Through liaising with her housing officer, we were also able to assist Coleen with her claim for compensation and she has since received £800 vouchers to replace lost white goods.  

Do you or does someone you know need support like Coleen? Refer for help here