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Former streetworker Mary gets help to turn her life around

"If it wasn’t for the support of the project staff I would not have reported to the police being victim of a sexual assault, or be where I am in my own flat.  And if it wasn’t for their support after this assault, I would still be working on the streets.."

Mary is a 27-year-old woman who came to the project after being short term in bed and breakfast accommodation. Mary advised that since she had been a teenager she had worked as a prostitute on the streets of Glasgow. She had a long-term history of drug use and was on 105 mls of methadone per day. She also had an alcohol issue and was antabuse to help her stop drinking. Mary does feel that due to taking both of these medications she is depressed however she feels stable and hopes to reduce her methadone soon. Mary has an addiction worker at Renfrewshire drug service and sees him on a weekly basis. Mary acknowledges that her drug use has led her to stealing and she has been in an out of prison for possession of drugs, theft and shoplifting and hasn’t had a permanent address or stability in her life for some time.  Mary states she has been the victim of two sexual assaults and has had no help or counselling in this area.  Mary also has a history of self injury but advised she has not done this for some time, as she felt it was unfair on her family. Mary advised she had drug debts and would fear for her life if the male she owes these to came across her. This debt is owed in the area her family lives in and for this reason she does not see them as much as she would like. Mary is still in contact with her mum and an aunt and uncle who give her some support when they can.

THE ISSUES

Mary’s addiction issues and emotional health were primary concerns; she required support to maintain a healthy lifestyle and in addressing counselling issues which often left her distressed. Mary also required support in budgeting and housekeeping; cooking, cleaning etc and assistance with finding suitable move on accommodation that she could manage.

SUPPORT PLAN

A needs-led support plan was put in place for Mary after an initial assessment and a housing support worker was appointed to work closely with her on her independent living skills. Mary was supported with budgeting, shopping, cooking and keeping herself motivated.  A referral was made to the health and homelessness nurse for support with self injury and past abuse issues.  A referral was made to see BTHA health development worker who made a referral for counselling and support to SAY women.

PROGRESS MADE

Mary can now budget effectively, cook and maintain a high standard of personal and domestic hygiene.  Mary was supported to gain her own tenancy and to furnish this appropriately.  Mary continues to attend counselling with SAY women and no longer works as a prostitute.  She has managed to find a level of stability with her addiction issues to allow her to successfully manage her own tenancy.