Mark – MPT Case Study

Mark signed up to More Positive Together project with Newground in late June 2020 looking for support in securing employment. He had some debt issues and an IVA in place which he had been paying regularly whilst in work, however, since he became unemployed, he was unable to keep up the payments. This was making him feel quite depressed and ill, he could not see the light at the end of the tunnel and wondered whether he should file for bankruptcy.

Also before the pandemic, Mark had sought support from MIND for mental health due to bereavement when he lost his father as he hasn’t dealt with it well.

In September Mark had a breakdown, he had not eaten for two weeks and collapsed at home. He was taken to hospital where he stayed for 5 days. He felt it was a mixture of depression and malnutrition due to his debts and not having enough money for day to day expenses. We gave him a food parcel the day he returned from hospital and have since used the local food bank where the staff have been fantastic.

With regular 1:1s we discussed possibilities and researched options, we contacted Step Change and received great advice from them. Mark decided that he couldn’t afford bankruptcy due to the cost and opted for a Debt Relief Order. Together we completed the forms and applied to a charity for the Admin fee and hopefully, Mark should be debt-free within 8-10 weeks.

After speaking with Calum, The Health and Wellbeing Officer at Active Lancashire we discussed what options were available to support Marks health and wellbeing. He was referred to Blokes United Creative Football at Witton Park. Mark is now able to access a wide variety of support including 1:1 wellbeing support and group activities such as football sessions and walking and talking therapy groups.

We went along to his introductory session where we had a coffee and were made to feel welcome. Mark then had another appointment with them two days later where he met with his mentor and have booked further 1:1 session’s to address his bereavement and how to deal with it.

Mark is feeling a lot happier that things are finally getting sorted and feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

Onwards and upwards, we are hoping that Mark will make a full recovery and be back in the workplace as soon as he feels well enough!