Helping Clients of All Ages Find a Way Forward
Published on 20 July 2021 11:41 AM
Sharing how Anna, 39 years old, found a way forward through her support at Age UK Islington. She was referred to our Social Prescribing Service by her GP.
By Zalaya Simmons, Volunteer Age UK Islington
Anna is a 39 year old graduate, who moved to the UK some years ago from Eastern Europe. Shortly after emigrating, Anna began working as a live-in carer for high-need patients with complex care requirements. Anna devoted herself entirely to her patients, regularly endured sleepless nights, and was emotionally and physically exhausted. Socialising with friends became increasingly difficult and resembled an alternative reality to the suffering and grief that she had become accustomed to.
During Anna’s free time, her thoughts were consumed with concern for her patients and she struggled to disconnect from her work and take part in the interests that once brought her joy. This impacted Anna’s wellbeing, eroded her identity, and led to a dramatic deterioration in her mental health.
Then the pandemic hit…
During the first lockdown in March 2020, Anna was living with a friend who was high-risk from Covid and began to shield. Anna was forced to move out and subsequently secured temporary shared accommodation in Islington. For the first time in her life, Anna was reliant on Universal Credit. She grew further socially isolated and her mental health continued to deteriorate. Completing basic tasks like showering and food shopping began to feel impossible and she had frequent suicidal thoughts.
"I was trying to look for a job, but I couldn't find anything and I was extremely depressed and anxious. I had panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and slipped into a black hole."
After speaking to her GP, Anna began to receive medical treatment for her depression and was referred to Age UK Islington. Just one week later, Anna received a call from Zlatina, one of Age UK Islington’s social prescribers.
"My social prescriber, Zlatina, was compassionate and delicate, but at the same time, she was extremely powerful! After learning about my interests, she introduced me to new opportunities and convinced to give them a try. This was the turning point for me..."
Anna started to attend Age UK Islington’s online yoga classes, painting appreciation sessions, and the newly created Moving Forward Group.
Moving Forward
At the first Moving Forward session, Anna was relieved by the natural and authentic feel of the group and enjoyed getting to know the other women. She also found it incredibly helpful that the sessions were online.
"When I was very, very depressed, I wouldn’t have been able to go somewhere to meet someone. Doing online activities is what really saved me. I could just switch the computer on, leave my camera off, and enjoy the presence of others. After some time, I started to turn on my video and regain my connection to the world."
Although the Moving Forward sessions have a main theme, the group members are encouraged to discuss whatever is on their mind freely and share the methods and tricks they use to cope with whatever difficulties they are facing.
"Listening to the other group members share information about the activities they have been doing, reminded me of my passions and encouraged me to pursue them again."
For Anna, being part of the Moving Forward group and listening to others share their personal struggles, helped her recognise that she was not alone.
"Everybody has got their own problems and actually, it’s easier when we can share them. It isn’t so overwhelming when you’re not alone."
Next Steps
After signing up to Age UK Islington’s Kundalini Yoga class, Anna began to privately practice yoga daily and this has played a key part in her recovery. She also plans to join Age UK Islington’s upcoming ‘Art Journaling’ group and continues to attend ‘Painting Appreciation Sessions.’
"After signing up to the Kundalini yoga class it became my total passion. It’s totally organic and natural for me. I now plan to start yoga teacher training in the next few months and am so happy about this. Not only did this help me in recovery, but it has given me a purpose and passion."
In difficult moments, Anna is comforted when remembering that the next Moving Forward group is just around the corner…
"Just the awareness that Moving Forward is in three weeks is so helpful. Knowing that there is this group of people who will listen to whatever I need to share, and support me however they can, is very supporting."
If you'd like support
For support with anything from small worries or more complicated issues to do with anything from money, to transport to getting out. We provide advice and we carefully connect people to expert agencies and social groups, for adults of all ages living in Islington (or with a GP in Islington).
Contact the Age UK Islington helpline (Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm) on: 020 7281 6018 / gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk