Kathleen was referred to Oldham Social Prescribing for support, as both herself and Husband, Tom, were isolated, becoming low in mood and struggling with the Covid aftermath.
The Oldham Social Prescribing team were able to support Kathleen with a number of things such as housing applications, accessing prescriptions, successfully applying for benefits and attending social groups.
Kathleen shared a bit about her journey with Oldham Social Prescribing:
"My name is Kathleen and I live in Chadderton.
It’s been quite a while since I got in touch with the Oldham Social Prescribing service, and they’ve been absolutely wonderful. Debra and Holly are the ones that I met with.
We first got put in touch a few years ago when my daughter-in-law reached out for support with sheltered housing for me and my husband. We never managed to move but they helped us with so many other things. My husband was in and out of hospital and he actually passed away six months ago. In those six months, they’ve been so marvelous.
Debra introduced me to the AGEUK Luncheon Club, which has led to a lot of things; like meeting new people, having someone to have lunch with and making plans to go out with the friends I’ve made here. Me and some of the ladies now love to go for a Sunday lunch together! It’s been so lovely.
Since losing my husband, I think the service has made a real difference. Thinking back six months ago… I was very, very quiet. I think, if it hadn’t of been for Debra coming to the Club with me on that very first day, I don’t think I would have come.
You can ask my family, they don’t know how I managed to get through the funeral, but they think I’ve coped marvelously, and I think a lot of that is down to Debra.
Not only that, Debra was more like a friend. We’d go over to the community centre for a coffee and just talk. When the funeral came around, Debra helped me with the paperwork, bereavement counselling, pension credit... She was able to help me with so much.
She has got me to a really good place on my own now, but I’ve still got her number for whenever I need it.
The work that the Oldham Social Prescribing team do is just wonderful, they are just like your friends and you can ask them anything you want and they’re very, very helpful. The thing I like about them is that they will spend so much time with you, I don’t know how they manage it, but they really do care. I know they’ve got lots of clients and things to do, but they had so much patience and it’s like they’re there just for you!
If you think you need support from Oldham Social Prescribing, I’d say don’t put it off and get in touch as soon as. They’ve been wonderful to me and I hope they can do the same for so many others."
Oldham Social Prescribing
The Oldham Social Prescribing service empowered Kathleen to embrace the opportunities offered to her and she was able to develop strong friendships. Her new friendships also supported her through her grief and loss.
To find out more about our Oldham Social Prescribing service, please click here