Updated: 21/10/2009
Updated: 21/10/2009
In November 2007 she was informed that her claim had been successful and she would be able to stay in the UK.
Her relief at finally escaping the political turbulence and genocidal terror which had driven her from her own country was tempered by the news that she would have to leave her Home Office funded accommodation within 4 weeks. Desperately anxious about where she, her 3 year old daughter and her new born baby, would live “Sara” turned to the CAB for help.
Working closely with the city council’s Housing Solutions service we were able to find her temporary accommodation, until a suitable permanent home was available.
With the help of Arch North Staffs, the Local Children’s Centre and “Sara’s” health visitor we were able to ensure that the health care support she required to look after her seriously ill baby continued after the move and despite needing to make 3 claims and waiting for 7 months we were finally able to sort out her claim for child benefit which it was essential she received in order to claim the other benefits to which she was now entitled.
Between them the group of agencies helping “Sara” found furniture and other household items to allow her to begin her new life in Stoke.
“People in “Sara’s” situation are facing extremely complicated life situations,” commented Refugee Team Leader Heidi Latala. “It is very unlikely that one single agency can provide all the help they need.
“However, a partnership of organisations, working together in a co-ordinated way can change people’s lives as we showed with “Sara”.
“The excellent partnerships we have developed with the City Council, Arch and Health professionals and the flexibility, versatility and dedication of our Refugee and Asylum team mean for many people like “Sara” and her children there is a hope of a new life in Stoke,” said Heidi Latala.