In December 2024, the Haringey Advice Partnership – an Information, Advice and Guidance service led by Citizens Advice Haringey and commissioned by Haringey Council – supported a client living in isolation and battling mental health issues.
Due to a range of difficult circumstances, they were also facing eviction, fuel poverty, and disconnection from local health services. Despite reaching out to numerous organisations, they were unable to find help, and support, until the Advice Partnership got involved.
Led by Anushka Shahrouz, Information Signposting Manager at Public Voice, a multi-agency response was swiftly mobilised. The client was re-registered with a GP, assigned a care coordinator, and referred to a senior clinical psychologist for urgent support.
Their housing issues were escalated and addressed, with additional help from StART, a specialist housing and mental health service in Haringey, and their long-standing heating issue were resolved through liaison with their estate agency.
As a result, the client has begun rebuilding their life. They are engaging with mental health services, exploring personal development opportunities, and reconnecting with the local community. A structured action plan has been put in place to support their ongoing recovery and independence.
In their words, the Advice Partnership was the only organisation to really respond to their call for help: “Anushka was kind and empathetic enough to enquire into the crisis I have long been suffering. She took the time to build a relationship of trust and respect that others failed to achieve.”