Abe

Picture this: a County Court Summons comes through your door demanding £750 in Council Tax arrears. The court appearance is in 10 days’ time. It would be pretty scary for most people, but if you were very short of money, were on your own, and struggling with poor mental health, then it would be terrifying and overwhelming.

That was the situation Abe found himself in. Fortunately for Abe, he heard about Paperweight from another care agency and gave us a call. Given the urgency and immediacy of his Court date, Paperweight pulled out all the stops and appointed a Caseworker the same day who arranged to meet Abe at home the following morning.

Our Caseworker, Harry, rapidly got to grips with the situation. He found that Abe has long-term depression and is under the care of Westminster Mental Health Trust. He lives alone (he was widowed several years ago) and also has severe agoraphobia and very rarely leaves his flat.

Harry contacted the council’s debt department, their benefits offices and also his social worker from Westminster Mental Health Trust.

Armed with much evidence, indicating that the action of the council had been inappropriate, plus very many time-consuming telephone calls, the summons was eventually withdrawn.

On top of that, with tenacity and determination, Harry even obtained a rebate from Westminster Council as a gesture of goodwill!

As Harry explained, “At this sensitive time, Abe needed someone to advocate for him and he wasn't in a position to help himself. Due to his general shortage of funds, I know what a huge difference this has made to him and I'm so happy to have been able to achieve this result for him. He is naturally very relieved and very happy with the outcome. I am delighted this case was brought to a swift conclusion (8 days from start to finish - quite a record!).

Abe gave effusive thanks to Harry and to Paperweight. He told us, “I'm looking forward to a good night’s sleep – the first in a very long time”.