Category: Open Arms

By Lee Lazenby, Open Arms Team

A client attended an Open Arms session with an NHS social prescriber who had been made aware of the good work that was done by Open Arms and encouraged to bring clients to the services available. The client had numerous health issues and wanted support / advice from Citizens Advice in relation to benefits to ease financial problems. 

During the session it was identified that the client needed adaptations in the household to support the health issues and was given advice on making an assessment and grants available. On checking benefits it was identified that the client had not received full entitlement to disability premiums and that this should have been considered during the claim. 

Following our phone call to DWP the client was sent the forms to check entitlement and was awarded £32,000 back payment for arrears of benefit, it was reported that the client was delighted with the news as this has helped his financial pressures. Since then, the NHS social prescriber has told me she will bringing all her clients that need benefit help to the Open Arms service.

By Lee Lazenby, the Open Arms Team

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news from Rotherham Pride, a community group we have been proudly supporting over the past year. Through our guidance and the seed-funding grant we provided, Rotherham Pride has gone from strength to strength, making a real impact in our community. 

Last year, they celebrated a major achievement by winning the VAR Community Achievement Award. Now, they have taken it one step further—being shortlisted for the prestigious Gaydio National Pride Awards in not one, but two categories! These awards are the biggest LGBTQIA+ recognition platform outside of London, making this an incredible milestone. 

We recently received this heartfelt message from Matt Dyson, representing Rotherham Pride: 

“I just wanted to say thank you again for helping us grow to what we are now in only 18 months! Without help from yourselves, we wouldn’t be where we are now.” 

This recognition not only highlights Rotherham Pride’s dedication and hard work but also displays the power of community support and collaboration. We are incredibly proud to have played a role in their journey and look forward to seeing their continued success.

By Lee Lazenby, The Open Arms team

In the past week we had a family come to see us with issues which were a result of an unexpected close family bereavement. I met with them on the very first visit to our outreach session.  They did not arrive until mid-afternoon.  After hearing what they had to say, I suggested they come back to see us on another day when there would be more time to go through everything with them. I sign-posted them to deal with “quick win” resolutions first and later informed the tasks I had suggested to do were conducted successfully.

On visit number two, I chatted a bit more with the family before they saw the CARD adviser and they said they had been sent all over the place since the bereavement. With having no experience in such matters previously, no one knew what to do, people they were coming up against lacked empathy with their overall situation which had happened by no fault of their own and their words were “they didn’t want to know.”

Four days later, they were back again, this time they showed some distress and anger that these issues were still ongoing. It transpires; after spending more time and obtaining further information, the issues were being tackled in the wrong order from what I could make out. I asked them if they would not mind answering questions so I could try and help them. I reiterated I was not at the outreach to give advice but merely to sign post to the most suitable charities and organisations and that is what I was aiming to do.

I discovered the last time the family met any kind of social care involvement was approximately twelve months ago. I then traced back to some contacts and as it turned out, I found a telephone number, made the call and he remembered relevant details straight away. Although he no longer worked the same job, he provided me with information which in the end assisted one of the family members who, since the passing of the relative had not had any means to support himself. 

Just when I thought I had resolved one of their main concerns, another family member informed me of an eviction if outstanding payments were not made to the council by 5pm that day. The time at that point was turned 2pm and the CARD Advisor was still with another client. I suggested to the family, although they wanted to do everything together, they needed to split into two and each group had their own task to do. Time was of the essence. Some family members went to deal with the issue of the person without funds and the other was sent home to obtain relevant information. 

It was discovered, DWP and the local housing office were working from different figures. The reason for non-payment was due to a transition period where they were moving from one benefit to another and therefore there was no money coming in to continue to pay for outgoings. After letting the authorities know about a bereavement more time was allowed to pay but that date had long gone. However, in another letter from a different source, the DWP had also allowed for the lack of money for the change of benefits and the date was now in fact another month’s grace, notified the council. It was up to the family to coordinate but due to the bereavement, it was forgotten.

By this time, the CARD advisor was available. I gave her a quick overview of the situation as it was currently, and I made sure she had all the relevant information to be able to deal. The advisor contacted the council as the client was a little anxious at this point. She explained who she was and that she was acting on behalf of a client and was assisted.

The young man without any income was provided with a face-to-face appointment to apply for Universal Credit the very next day. Normally, this centre only deals with u18’s, however due to the fact the individual is neurodiverse the age range is extended to 25 years of age.

With our help and support the family were able to get these issues resolved allowing them time to grieve for their loved one without the worry of all these problems anymore.

By Lee Lazenby, Open Arms Team

Due to a change of political party in government bringing about a transformation to our existing benefits and welfare system which has been implemented over recent months, we have had a few successes.   

One of which was a lady called Jane whom I first came across on the evening of the 7th of November via our Face Book page.  She was enquiring about the days, times and locations of our Open Arms Community Hub sessions. 

I responded and sent her our latest timetable. 

Jane told me where she lived, and that she would attend at the earliest opportunity.  I said I looked forward to meeting her as I would be at the outreach on the day in question. 

She attended two days later.  Jane told me she had been turned down twice previously for Pension Credit.  I asked her when this was. She checked and it was a short while ago. On the second occasion it was just a few pounds that took her over the threshold for applying. I helped her fill in her registration form and it was then Jane said she felt lonely. I advised her to request a benefit check, just in case there was anything else she might be entitled to and whilst she was waiting, I signposted her to a few social groups in her area. She was quite reserved, but I persuaded her to approach a group in the library and have a word with them. She was very happy I had taken the time to listen to her and she admitted she was starting to feel better and hopeful. The CARD adviser was a big help to her too. He sorted everything out and said all she had to do was to wait and see what happened. 

It was not long at all before I saw Jane again.  On the 19th of November she turned up at Riverside Library just to thank us for everything we had done for her.  She couldn’t quite believe it when her bank account had been credited to what was a Pension Credit, the first of many. Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs if you are of pensionable age and on a low income. Now she is receiving this benefit, Jane can now apply to R.M.B.C and make a claim for housing benefit as she is a council tenant.  Also available to her is a winter fuel payment, a council tax discount as well as many other things subject to age and/or dependant on which type of pension credit awarded, plus assistance with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.   

Jane said she was over the moon regarding the outcome. 

Jane got in touch with me again through Facebook as I had asked her previously if she had considered becoming a volunteer due to her feeling of loneliness, time on her hands and maybe boost her confidence. I offered encouragement as she said she would not have anything to offer so I explained she could get involved as much or as little as she wanted. No pressure as volunteering is meant to be fun, enjoyable and rewarding to all involved. Jane agreed and then mentioned since her last visit, she had received a £200 heating allowance. She went on to say she had been on a “right downer” over the past few weeks, she wasn’t interested in preparing for Christmas, but this had lifted her spirits, and she is really looking forward to the festive season now. She has yet to let me know if she managed to also receive a discount on both her rent and council tax, although she did state she is more than happy with the heating allowance.  I don’t think she was expecting that, at least not that princely sum. 

Who knows, we may even have Jane volunteering on The Open Arms Project in 2025.  What a testimony that would be. 

By Janet Malsch and Lee Lazenby, Open Arms Team

At the start of November, a lady called in to one of our Open Arms sessions at Wath Library.  Ms S was seeking assistance and information about our services. Drawn to the welcoming environment, she decided to reach out. 

Over a brew, she bravely shared her story. For the past five years, she had been in an on-and-off abusive relationship, which had left her unable to cope with anxiety and mounting debts. Determined to make positive changes in her life, she sought advice on how to address her financial challenges. 

The CARD adviser attending the session, suggested two options.  Either she attends the debt drop-in session at their main office in Rotherham between 09:30 and 12:30 or return in two weeks with the relevant paperwork as she needed more time. Ms S lived locally, so she opted to go back to the library. 

On returning, the advisor referred her to the CARD debt team for further support. During her visit, she also had an open and heartfelt conversation with the Open Arms team, once again, expressing her struggles and her determination to move forward. 

She later shared her gratitude, saying the support and care she received made her feel heard and valued, and now feels confident about tackling her financial situation in the hope of it leading towards a brighter future. 

This story highlights the impact of creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for individuals in need and the power of small gestures in fostering hope and confidence. 

By Janet Malsch and Lee Lazenby, Open Arms Team

Joanne, a retired lady, recently visited the Open Arms Project after her Winter Fuel Allowance was withdrawn by the government. She was welcomed warmly by our team with coffee, biscuits, and a friendly atmosphere before meeting with one of our Citizens Advice advisers.

During the consultation, Joanne shared that she had been facing significant personal challenges, including a brain haemorrhage, which had taken a toll on her. Despite her struggles, Joanne was unaware that she might be eligible for additional financial support.

Thanks to a thorough benefits check, it was discovered that Joanne was entitled to Pension Credit—a crucial financial aid for her. Not only did our adviser help her apply for this benefit, but they were also able to backdate the claim to the end of June. This resulted in a substantial payout, providing Joanne with a much-needed financial boost as the colder months approach.

Joanne expressed her gratitude to the team for their support and guidance. She is now in a much better financial position, allowing her to feel more secure and prepared for winter. Her experience highlights the importance of the Open Arms Project and the difference we can make in people’s lives by offering personalised support and advice.

By Janet Malsch and Lee Lazenby, the Open Arms team

Joanne, a retired lady, recently visited the Open Arms Project, she was welcomed warmly by our team with coffee, biscuits, and a friendly atmosphere before meeting with one of our Citizens Advice advisers.

During the consultation, Joanne shared that she had been facing significant personal challenges, including a brain haemorrhage, which had taken a toll on her. Despite her struggles, Joanne was unaware that she might be eligible for additional financial support.

Thanks to a thorough benefits check, it was discovered that Joanne was entitled to Pension Credit—a crucial financial aid for her. Not only did our adviser help her apply for this benefit, but they were also able to backdate the claim to the end of June. This resulted in a substantial payout, providing Joanne with a much-needed financial boost as the colder months approach.

Joanne expressed her gratitude to the team for their support and guidance. She is now in a much better financial position, allowing her to feel more secure and prepared for winter. Her experience highlights the importance of the Open Arms Project and the difference we can make in people’s lives by offering personalized support and advice.

This success story is a reminder of the positive impact we can have on those in need, especially during challenging times.

By Janet Malsch and Lee Lazenby, Open Arms Team

James approached the Open Arms team seeking advice for a difficult family situation. His brother, who suffers from dementia, was at risk of losing his care home space due to the financial misconduct of his life partner. Evidence suggested that his partner was exploiting him financially, which left James deeply concerned about his brother’s future care and support as his condition worsened.

During his initial visit, our Citizen Adviser discussed the next steps with James, providing clear and actionable advice. They recommended that James report the situation to the police to address the financial abuse. Additionally, they guided him on how to apply for a court of protection to safeguard his brother’s interests and provided tips on collaborating with the social care team to review and update his brother’s care plan.

Two weeks later, James returned to the Open Arms session to express his gratitude for the support he received. He shared that being able to talk with our team and receiving clear direction gave him the confidence to take necessary actions. With our guidance, he had reported the situation to the police, initiated the court of protection process, and engaged with the social care team to ensure his brother would receive the proper care.

James’ dedication, care, and love for his brother were evident. The distress he initially showed had transformed into a renewed sense of confidence and positivity when we saw him again. He thanked our team for the support, emphasizing how crucial it was in helping him navigate this challenging situation. He also mentioned that he would keep us updated on his brother’s situation.

James is a testament to the power of support and the positive impact that timely advice can have. His determination to protect his brother’s well-being and his proactive approach in seeking help reflect the core values of community and compassion that we strive to uphold at Open Arms. We are proud to have been a part of his journey and remain committed to supporting individuals facing similar challenges.

By Janet Malsch and Lee Lazenby, The Open Arms Team

At an Open Arms session we had a visitor, whose first language was not English, who had found herself in a precarious situation. With her husband hospitalised for long-term medical treatment, she became the sole breadwinner for her family. However, the burden proved overwhelming, leading the family into a spiral of debt that culminated in a court order. The imminent arrival of debt collectors added further stress to an already dire situation.

Navigating the complexities of paperwork and legal proceedings proved challenging for the client, compounded by language barriers. Recognizing the urgency of her situation, our dedicated Citizen Advice team sprang into action. They swiftly connected with their debt team and arranged for the client to be seen on the same day, providing her with the support and guidance she urgently needed.

Understanding the importance of effective communication, Citizens Advice offers free translation services to ensure that language barriers do not hinder access to crucial assistance. With the assistance of a translator, the client was able to fully comprehend her options and navigate the intricate legal processes with confidence.

The outcome was nothing short of remarkable. Through the collaborative efforts of Open Arms and the invaluable support of Citizen Advice, the client was empowered to address her family’s financial crisis head-on.

By Janet Malsch and Lee Lazenby, the Open Arms team

In a recent session at Open Arms, a brave client visited us, visibly distressed and struggling to hold back tears. She revealed that she had fled her home due to domestic abuse by her husband. Our team immediately ensured her safety, offering her a comforting cup of tea before she met with our Citizen Adviser.

During her session, the client sought guidance on navigating the process of divorce and accessing support as a victim of domestic abuse. She also expressed concerns about her immigration status, as her husband had previously threatened her with deportation. Fortunately, it was discovered that she held indefinite leave to remain status, alleviating this fear.

With the support of our Citizen Adviser, the client was introduced to Rotherham Rise and together, they discussed the next steps and devised a plan to address her situation.

When leaving our session, we noticed a change in our client’s overall demeanour. She radiated a newfound sense of empowerment and determination to take control of her future. Our Citizen Adviser was deeply impressed by her bravery and resilience, feeling privileged to support her on her journey.

This story highlights the strength and courage of a survivor of domestic abuse. It also highlights the importance of providing safe spaces and access to resources for individuals seeking to break free from abusive situations. At Open Arms, we are committed to offering compassionate support and assisting individuals like our brave client to reclaim their lives.