A 57-year-old veteran found crucial support from the Flourish Hub at a time of extreme crisis. Recently evicted and facing homelessness, he arrived at Wirral Ways feeling anxious and overwhelmed. He uses a wheelchair and lives with ongoing respiratory, mobility, and mental health challenges.
The veteran had been referred to the Hub due to his military background and substance misuse issues. Upon arrival, he presented visibly distressed – a reflection of both his housing situation and deteriorating health.
At his initial assessment with Wirral Ways, he was given details for veteran support groups and housing advice sessions. From there, a coordinated plan of action was set in motion.
The Flourish team made several key referrals:
- Ask Us Wirral for help with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application
- Housing Options Team (HOT) for tailored housing guidance
- Op COURAGE to support his mental health needs
- The Royal British Legion and SSAFA to explore practical support for rent in advance, white goods, and essential furniture
The veteran is now regularly attending the Wirral Ways veterans group and continues to receive structured support from CGL. He is in the early stages of his recovery, with plans to engage in counselling through Op COURAGE and work with housing partners to secure more suitable accommodation. There is also hope that his PIP application will boost his financial situation and help restore a sense of independence.
Reflecting on his first visit to the Hub, he said:
“This is the first time I’ve ever been in a situation like this — you’ve answered a lot of questions I didn’t know where to ask.”
This case highlights the importance of joined-up, compassionate care — and the role of Flourish in helping individuals navigate complex systems to get the support they deserve.