Our Support and Rehabilitation Co-ordinators (SRC) helped Kim*, our client, who’s currently pursuing a criminal injuries authority claim with us. Our co-ordinators organised vital improvements to her home, which have helped to lower her anxiety as her claim progresses.
Kim’s story
Kim is pursuing a criminal injuries compensation authority claim after experiencing psychological injuries from historical childhood abuse. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
Kim also experienced domestic violence as an adult. She lived in a refuge before moving to her current home, where she lives with her young daughter.
Our solicitors referred Kim to our Support and Rehabilitation team as she was facing problems with her latest accommodation.
When Kim was referred, she was living in a council house, which had a leaking roof. The leak had caused mould on the walls and floors of every room in the house. Our SRC visited the property and also noted that there was a rotting window frame in the living room. A lack of insulation also meant that it was extremely cold.
The council had paid £150 in compensation over a year earlier but hadn’t taken any steps to fix the problems. Kim felt the state of her property was affecting her mental health. Her daughter also had several chest infections, and Kim was worried that these were caused by the damp, cold, and mould.
How did we help?
Our SRC started by establishing the details of all the repairs that were needed in Kim’s home. They immediately contacted the housing department at the council, who knew about the required repairs but hadn’t assigned anyone to carry them out.
In the following months, our SRC liaised with Kim and the council’s housing department each week. Our co-ordinators increased the priority status of the repairs needed to Kim’s home, which meant timeframes were kept short.
Kim’s home is now fitted with a new window frame and windowsill in the living room, with insulation. The living room also has a new stud wall and fresh plastering. The council are now repairing her leaking roof. A mould wash and damp-proof installation will also be carried out once the roof repairs are done.
The council housing team are also installing new vents to Kim’s kitchen and bathroom. This will improve the quality of the air and prevent future mould or damp problems.
While Kim’s claim is ongoing, she’s grateful to our Support and Rehabilitation team for their help in improving her living conditions. The improvements to her home have helped to ease some of her anxieties and will hopefully help to improve the wellbeing of Kim and her daughter.
Expert comment
Adam Shelverton is the Support and Rehabilitation Team Manager. He commented on Kim’s case: “I’m absolutely delighted that our team was able to help ease Kim’s anxiety through getting vital improvements made to her home. Although her claim hasn’t been settled yet, it’s encouraging to hear that her anxiety has been lessened through now having suitable living conditions.”
*Client’s name has been changed.
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