Cambridge Cyrenians' Older Homeless Service (OHS) first supported Helen* in early 2020, when she needed help opening her post due to her poor eyesight. Despite several attempts, she wasn’t ready to engage with our support at that time, and the case was eventually closed.

In March 2023, Cambridge City Council’s Independent Living team referred Helen back to us. Now 73, she was struggling to keep her gas meter topped up, and the council had been unable to carry out their annual gas safety check. They hoped we could help her maintain a safe and adequate gas supply.

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A home in need of urgent attention

When one of our project workers visited, it was clear that little had changed since 2020. Helen’s home was extremely cluttered and unclean. She hadn’t had any heating since before Christmas, which had led to a significant standing‑charge debt on her pre‑payment gas meter. Our project worker began visiting regularly, taking Helen out of the property to top up both her gas and electricity, with the longer‑term goal of getting her meters changed so direct debits could be set up.

During these visits, we also learned that Helen had been unable to attend GP appointments about her diabetes. We supported her to get to the GP and made a referral for chiropody to help address her health needs.

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Next steps to improve Helen's quality of life

More recently, we raised a safeguarding concern as Helen’s home had further deteriorated, and there were growing signs of self‑neglect. A new Social Worker has since been appointed and has put a comprehensive care package in place, including carers visiting Helen twice a day. They have remained in close contact with Cambridge Cyrenians as we work together to arrange professional cleaning for the property, support Helen to attend a Day Centre, and organise an Occupational Therapy assessment for walking aids.

*Name changed to protect individual’s privacy.

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