Independence days

Vulnerable and disabled people in Hull are being enabled to live more independent lives – thanks to the Welfare Support Service.

Mark Sergeant had begun to feel like a prisoner in his own home for the past two years.
Being housebound and unable to work left him feeling depressed and isolated and he could see no end to his problems.
The father of two, from Sutton Park, lives with Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) which drains his energy and causes severe joint pain.
He also has a serious back condition and diabetes which mean he is unable to walk more than a few metres without becoming exhausted.
But after a referral to Hull City Council's welfare support service, the former civil servant received a battery-powered titanium wheelchair to help him get around.
"The last two years were like a prison sentence," says Mark (45).
"I was trapped at home and thought things would never change.
"I'd reached a really low point but the support I have received has made a huge difference.
I had no idea services like this existed."

Road to recovery

Mark was referred to the service by the NHS mental health team after receiving treatment for depression, which took hold as a result of his health and mobility problems.
He was given a care assessment which led to a number of mobility adaptations to his home, including a handrail by his back door, to help his everyday living.
He was also visited at home by a support officer who encouraged him to become more active and to ensure he was receiving the benefits he was entitled to.
His support worker applied to local charities on Mark's behalf to raise the £5,000 needed to pay for the electric wheelchair.
And the three-wheeler has given him a new lease of life.
"I now don't have to ask anyone for help if I want or need to go out and that has made a huge difference to my confidence," he adds.
"The chair is lightweight and easy to get around in.
I've already driven to the Boulevard and back on it and use it to walk Max, our family dog.
I also hope to use the chair to go swimming at Ennerdale to build up my fitness."

More about the service

The service can help up to 307 people at any given time, with each client being given an individual support plan.
Other types of help include enabling people to access employment or training, or helping them with housing applications
"Our role is to provide people with all kinds of everyday support to make sure they are able to stay independent in the community," says Seanne Callan, manager of the service.
"We can help build people's confidence, or guide them in how to manage money."
"We almost always work in partnership with other agencies, particularly voluntary and community agencies.
It's great to see some of the results we achieve, with clients coming off the service all the time, thereby freeing up a place for somebody else who needs our help."
Help is available for people aged over 16 regardless of whether they are council tenants or not.
For more information call 300300.