Moving On With Floating Support

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Lisburn woman, Sonya Thompson, has been telling us about the difference our Floating Support Service has made in helping her settle into her new home encouraging her to get out and about more often.  Sonya said, “I have been widowed for almost 10 years now, it is still difficult for me when I think of my lovely husband William. We did everything together and when he passed away I stopped doing things like cooking and going out to concerts and restaurants. I have a lovely wee dog called Rosie, she is 4 years old and a great wee pet and friend. I have started feeding the birds again too and looking after them, I have bought lovely feeders and feed them every day.

I started working with my support worker from Cedar, Linda, in July 2013, when I moved into my new bungalow. Linda helped me to get a new kitchen and bathroom from B&Q. I stayed for a week in a local B&B while the work was completed and it was the first time since losing my husband that I had been on holiday and I really enjoyed it. I hope to go again in the future. Linda has also given me a lot of help so that I can now manage my money better, I understand all about my benefits and direct debits now. She helped me to try cooking again using recipes from my mum’s recipe book and I want to do more on my own.

Sonya is a devoted Bay City Rollers fan and Linda supported her to book and go to a Bay City Rollers Concert, something she hadn’t done in over 10 years. “Even though it was raining and we got very wet I really enjoyed the dancing and singing. I am going again in December to the Waterfront Hall.  I plan to attend more concerts and am already planning a visit to my brother in Wales who I haven’t seen in a long time and we’re both really looking forward to it.”

Sonya has now achieved all her housing support goals and no longer needs the service, she told us “since joining Cedars Floating Support service my confidence has improved and I feel much more independent and able to do all the things I enjoy and have missed over the years again.”

Cedar’s Floating Support Service supports adults living in their own home to carry out their housing responsibilities as independently as possible by tailoring a programme to suit their individual needs.  If you would like further information on our services email us at fs@cedar-foundation.org or call 028 9046 1834.