Deborah has been a client of PCAS for almost three years after being referred to us by a social worker. We asked her to talk about her journey and here is what she had to say.
Q: What are the circumstances surrounding your health?
Deborah: “Life brings many challenges and we all live with them and cope with them as best we can. In my case, my ‘quirk’ is that I live with Cerebral Palsy; which is most evident in my lazy arm and my lazy leg! I also have dyslexia, which is less visible, but at times, even more disabling! Let’s just say that I won’t win any prizes for Scrabble or Twister!”
Q: Can you give us an insight into what life was like before your referral?
Deborah: “I’ve always tried to look at the positives, and live life to the fullest. But when my mum died of cancer, it became apparent how much she had been ‘my rock’. Being alone made everything seem so much harder. I tried to carve out a new independent life, moving to a new home, holding down regular work etc; but it all became too much. Trying to organise so much physical work, and communicate using so many documents, forms and letters, just wore me down.
“I’d been proud of myself for the way I’d lived my life with my quirks, but now my confidence had gone and I felt ever more unable to cope. In particular, trying to ensure I was financially secure was causing much anxiety.”
Q: What were your first steps with PCAS?
Deborah: “When a social worker referred me to PCAS I didn’t really know what to expect. Then Jackie, one of the PCAS team (they call them advocates), came to see me. To my surprise Jackie was chatty, friendly and not at all formal. She listened, we chatted, and chatted some more. We even laughed.”
Q: How did PCAS help you?
Deborah: “Over the following weeks and months Jackie helped me resolve all those practical and financial matters that had got on top of me. Perhaps even more importantly, I no longer felt alone. Jackie, and PCAS, had become my new rock. With the support of PCAS, I found my FREEDOM again – to see life’s positives, and once again be seen as the lady with the smile, not the lady with the lazy arm!”
Q: What advice would you give to others about your experience?
Deborah: “Having Jackie and PCAS at my side, I feel empowered. I live independently and happily, with my quirks!
“There’s no price you can put on the value of TRUST and FREEDOM, but that is exactly what Jackie and PCAS have given me.
“Thank you, Jackie, from the bottom of my heart.”
