One Trafford Response - case study

Charlotte

Charlotte was identified as suitable for OTR as she had a 13 year history of homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, crime and had spent several periods of time in prison and had a poor history of engagement with services.

Charlotte’s allocated keyworker was a PCSO, who quickly built a relationship with Charlotte and helped her identify her own strengths and goals. Charlotte’s child was removed from her when Charlotte was 17. As her daughter was now approaching 16 Charlotte wanted to improve her life so she could have a meaningful relationship with her.

Jane, an OTR Key Worker engaged with Charlotte and helped her understand and build on what she was good at, such as interacting with people. Charlotte used those skills and started volunteering at a community café to help build her social network. Charlotte had several medical issues which needed to be addressed, but she was reluctant to go and see a GP. Jane supported Charlotte at an appointment with her GP and then went with her the second time but waited outside. The aim always being to help Charlotte reach her goals in an independent way, offering support when needed.

Jane was there to support Charlotte in reaching her goals by building on her strengths and helping her to break down her goals into small achievable chunks which she could manage.

Charlotte became more independent with OTR key worker and method support. As Charlotte’s confidence grew the support was stepped back to a watching brief. Charlotte arranged her own supported accommodation, now attends her GP appointments independently and is in the process of arranging rehab herself with her drugs worker.