Gareth's story
Gareth is a 45-year-old man with a learning disability, a hearing impairment, and Paranoid Schizophrenia. Disowned by his family because of his mental health, he spent a long period of his life street homeless in Birmingham - he can't fully remember or explain how he came to be there. He says his friends on the street didn't judge him or make him feel stupid. For a long time, that was the closest thing he had to a support network.
How Gareth came to Advocacy Matters
Gareth was brought into a Birmingham hospital by support workers from a local homeless hostel with suspected Covid-19 symptoms. He was described as being in a bad way – wearing soiled clothing, physically dirty, unkempt, and unwell. Thankfully he tested negative, but as part of emergency Covid-19 funding he was placed in a local care home where his daily needs could be met. Under the duty set out in the Care Act, his social worker referred him for a Care Act Advocate to support him through the safeguarding process.
Building trust
The start wasn’t smooth – on their first conversation, Gareth was upset about not being able to get a cigarette. But over time a genuine relationship developed, and he now calls his advocate almost every day. She has been able to learn about his past, understand how he feels about where he’s living, and find out what he wants for the future.
Looking ahead
Gareth, his advocate, and his new social worker are now working together on a full assessment of his health and social care needs, with the aim of finding him a permanent home. Gareth’s requirement is simple – as long as it’s near a shop where he can get his cigarettes, he’ll be OK.
“It’s good to be able to trust someone again.”
Support more people like Gareth
Gareth spent years without anyone consistently in his corner. Your donation helps us be there for more people who have fallen through the gaps and need someone they can trust.