A New Beginning: Paula’s Path to Recovery and Stability

When Paula first reached out to us, she was in a distressing and precarious situation.

Having been street homeless for over a decade, Paula had recently been provided with a Housing Association house but was overwhelmed by the challenge of managing her health, household bills and daily living. Struggling with mental health issues linked to drug and alcohol addiction, Paula faced significant difficulties in day-to-day life.

Paula came to us through We Are With You and a People Hub Connector. With her permission, we coordinated with We Are With You to address her addiction issues and support her recovery journey. Recognising the urgency of her situation, we assisted Paula in several key areas to help stabilise her life.

One immediate concern was a summons for non-payment of Council Tax. We supported Paula in attending Truro Magistrates Court to address this issue. In addition, we contacted her creditors—South West Water, Cornwall Council and Evo Energy—to negotiate and arrange direct debits, set up monthly payments and manage arrears. These steps have been crucial in helping Paula regain control over her finances. We also helped her secure a new birth certificate, necessary as Right To Work documentation.

In a significant step towards her recovery, Paula has been scheduled to enter rehab in mid-September. This opportunity represents a hopeful new chapter in her journey toward better health and stability. To further support her, we applied for Exceptional Relief funding from Cornwall Council to assist with Council Tax and have also applied for Severe Mental Disability Council Tax relief.

Paula shared her heartfelt gratitude for the support she received: “I can’t tell you just how much Carol and Steve have helped me to be able to cope with my life. They even supported me by taking me to Truro Magistrates Court to answer a Council Tax summons. They have helped me to sort out my debts and apply for other benefits to help with my money issues. I can’t thank them enough.”

Paula’s story is a powerful reminder of the positive impact that comprehensive support can have on individuals facing severe challenges. We are proud to have been part of her journey and look forward to seeing her continue on the path to recovery and stability.