Complex Case Team help a resident to start a new life

Ashfield District Council’s Complex Case Team work with the most vulnerable residents in the District to help them overcome difficult situations they face.

Based in The Hub, the Complex Case Team work closely alongside partners from Community Protection, National Probation Service and Nottinghamshire Police. They aim to assist residents who present with many complex needs including mental health issues, domestic abuse, housing issues, substance misuse and unemployment. 

In May 2019, a resident was referred to Community Protection after her concerned neighbours rang the police. Following a visit by the Community Protection Officers they referred her case to one of our Complex Case Workers.

The resident was being evicted by the Housing Association due to non-payment of rent, she had severe debts and incurred rent arrears. Her gas and electricity had been switched off by the suppliers and she was living in one room of her house. The resident was feeling suicidal and drinking heavily due to a relationship breakdown. She was also a survivor of domestic abuse. 

Our Complex Case Worker worked hard to gain her trust, which led to the resident attending AA meetings, and working with Change Grow Live, a national health and social care charity, to discover what her triggers were for drinking. The Complex Case Worker also referred her to Insight Nottinghamshire for counselling.

The Complex Case Worker then referred the resident to The Women’s Lighthouse in Rotherham. A supported accommodation for women who are facing homelessness who help people with a history of addiction to change lifestyles. She moved into the Lighthouse in September 2019.

The grateful resident recently got in touch with our Complex Case Worker to thank her and to update her on her situation; she now has a council flat in Rotherham and has abstained from drinking alcohol since August 2019. She is also back in touch with her children and is looking for work within the care sector.

Cllr Helen Ann-Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said

“This is just one example out of the hundreds of lives that our Complex Case Team have helped to turn around. It is fantastic to see that the resident has managed to make a positive change in her life thanks to the assistance and support that our Complex Case Worker provided. The team provide such a vital service for our most vulnerable residents and I am extremely proud of the work that they do.”