JW\u2019s story highlights how compassionate, personalised support can help someone rebuild their confidence after bereavement, trauma, and isolation. Through social prescribing and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Programme, she was guided toward community activities, bereavement support, and wellbeing resources. This tailored approach enabled JW to reconnect socially, regain purpose, and make positive steps toward improving her health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n<\/div>
JW is a widow. Her husband served in the Army for 33 years and was diagnosed with penile cancer in 2018 and passed in September 2019. The client lost both her parents in 2017 (10 weeks apart from each other).\u00a0 The client has 2 sons, 1 of which was due to join the Royal Marines in March 2022 but became injured prior to commencing his training.<\/p>\n
JW feels alone, very unhappy and finds it difficult to move forward.\u00a0 JW also lives with constant anxiety and stress due to an ongoing domestic situation with her immediate neighbours. JW suffered severe trauma due to a road accident in 2020, which affects her mobility.<\/p>\n
JW met with AFCSP (Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Programme). JW presenting as being lost and very unsure what she should be doing. Her immediate financial and housing needs were not an issue at the time.\u00a0 JW lacked the confidence to explore things she could do with her time. AFCSP encouraged her to consider developing new interests which could satisfy her need to fill her day and relieve the loneliness and isolation.<\/p>\n
Both the social prescribing link worker\/coach and AFCSP have provided options for her to consider becoming more active and involved with the immediate community, particularly, volunteering opportunities at Riding for the Disabled (JW is an accomplished horsewoman).\u00a0 Local bereavement groups\u2019 information and counselling choices were made available. AFCSP contacted the\u00a0Army Widows Association<\/a>\u00a0for JW and advised JW of the family support from SSAFA, the RBL and local GP based groups. The AFCSP worked with JW for access to the settings for\u00a0Veterans Gateway<\/a>\u00a0together with 2 phone apps primarily targeted at getting people to become more active and improve their wellbeing through walking and exercise.\u00a0 This is something JW was keen to do, as her mobility issues were in fact the decider needed for her to become more mobile. The AFCSP checked whether local solicitors had any links with the military in the area and urged JW to begin looking for a competent solicitor to deal with the domestic issue.<\/p>\n Social prescribing link worker\/coach and AFCSP (Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Programme) spoke to JW in May 2022.<\/p>\n A positive improvement and change in thinking patterns. JW has attended the bereavement course at her local surgery which she found helpful and supportive. JW has re-entered the world of carriage driving, has joined a walking group and has taken up swimming in the sea. JW has connected with new and old friends; making time at home to relax. JW is now talking openly to her sons about how she has been feeling and is looking forward to being a grandmother this year. The involvement of the AFCSP was key in this case as the client responded to someone from an AFC background and benefitted from that conversation angle of understanding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> \u201c<\/em>Help & Care provided access to \u2018non-judgemental\u2019 and very caring support support workers who provided the boost, support and encouragement to get going again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>Goals and outcomes<\/h3>\n
Client feedback<\/h3>\n<\/div>