Paul's Story

After losing his wife to cancer, Paul was struggling to come to terms with her loss after more than 40 years of marriage.

Paul had many difficulties facing him at home. His son was his main carer, but recently underwent radiotherapy for cancer, he was struggling on getting by on his benefits, and additionally his housing tenancy was also on the line.

Our brilliant InTouch Support Worker, Maria, quickly realised that his recent loss could be helped with both emotional support and a practical approach. She worked with his son and daughter to help him gain tenancy rights, as well as referring Paul to our Information & Advice Team who helped him apply for the maximum amount of benefit that he was entitled to.

“They helped me gain more than what I thought I could. They are a great team of lovely ladies.”

His high spirits were soon dampened when he found out that his son was stealing money from him, he was also unable to lay his wife’s ashes to rest during to COVID-19 disruptions.

Paul felt that without this step he could not accept his wife’s death, and that he had let her down by not concluding final arrangements for her. Although Paul’s anxiety was heightened, Maria worked with him to help him figure out what routes would be best for him to help him resolve his issues.

Paul said: “I have finally found time to grieve and remember my wife, by playing our favourite music which we used to dance to. I have arranged to attend a memorial service for those who have lost their loved ones, as well as being able to purchase a plot to lay my wife’s ashes to rest.”