An elderly woman travelled overseas to her son-in-law’s funeral. On her return she found all her possessions had been taken from her home, her benefits stopped and bank account cleared.
With little English or understanding of what was happening, she came last week with her eldest daughter to our outreach service.
It’s a case that illustrates the Citizens Advice promise of help “whoever you are, whatever your problem”.
The situation had arisen because the woman’s younger daughter (who had power of attorney) hadn’t expected her mother to return to the UK.
We contacted her social landlord and council (both were supportive). We were able to re-establish her benefits. We accessed a local assistance scheme for emergency funds and provided a food voucher.
We had helped a family begin to sort out a difficult problem. They were very grateful.
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