Once our clients have left the rehab unit, they have to start to put everything that they’ve learnt about themselves and their addiction into practice. In rehab they are in a ‘safe’ environment and do not have to worry about outside influences. Out in the big wide world they are faced with numerous problems and tough decisions on a daily basis. It was with this in mind that Floating Support came into being. We offer ‘after care’ for those that have been through rehab – a continuation of a safe environment and a helping hand for those problems and decisions. I would say that one of the most frustrating things faced by the lads is dealing with benefits. They are sometimes unsure as to which benefit they should be claiming and the vast amount of forms and red tape they have to go through to sort it out can be a very daunting prospect for them. The biggest problem is faced by those under 25 years old. They are entitled to less benefit and a lower rate of housing benefit than those over 25. I just don’t understand this concept. Their bills are no lower than anyone else’s; their rent is the same amount as that of someone over 25 so why do they insist on paying them less? At T.H.O.M.A.S. we’re dealing with people who are trying to rebuild their lives. Most of them have never done things ‘by the book’ – paying bills, being responsible for their own property. For most of them, moving back to their former home is not an option. They need to live independently and away from former influences and acquaintances. The struggle of moving into their own home on such little money and with rent top-up to pay is too much for many of them. They can start to feel like they are worse off now than they were before. Each week is a struggle for them to make ends meet and there doesn’t seem to be a way out. Prior to rehab they could have come up with many quick and easy ways to raise some money but in their new life they are trying desperately to stay away from those kinds of activity. Employment is not a valid option for them at such an early stage in their recovery. They are not ready to meet with the demands of a working regime and mixing with so called ‘normal’ people can lead to all sorts of problems for them. They need to concentrate some time on their recovery and get those things in place before moving on to the next step. How can we encourage people to stick with it and be above board about everything when the odds seem stacked against them in this way? It’s not an easy task, believe me. One case in point is that of a man of 24 who has just left our rehab. Whilst in rehab his benefits were cut to the minimum of £35 per week. The incapacity part of his benefit was questioned, as Benefits Agency were unsure as to whether he was actually unfit to work. This guy was going through detox and doing everything in his power to leave his former life behind him to become a productive member of society. He was working on his ability to be fit for life! He appealed against the decision and was told that it could take up to six months for his appeal to be heard. A further decision was then taken to subtract more money from his benefits, leaving him with around £28 per week to live on. When he moved into his property and applied for housing benefit he was told that he would get a reduced amount of benefit due to his age. This leaves him with over £10 per week to pay on his rent. That means that he now has less than £18 per week to live on. Could you do that? I know that I couldn’t. Could you tell this guy that he is better off now than he was before? I struggle with it I have to admit. He is left waiting for the decision of the appeal. The only other assistance that has been offered to him is a crisis loan – which he would have to pay back out of is already severely depleted benefits. All credit to him for refusing to give in and give up. It is his strength of character and will to succeed that keep him going. He refuses to be beaten. He wants this new way of life and is doing everything in his power to go out and get it. We will be here to help him every step of the way |
