Case Study (Pseudonym): “Emma’s Path to Stability and Self-Worth” Emma was referred to Thriving Walker through a local housing officer after fleeing domestic abuse. She arrived with very few possessions, deeply anxious, and disconnected from any support network. She shared that she was sofa-surfing, struggling with panic attacks, and unsure how to begin rebuilding her life. Emma had previously worked in care but had lost her job due to the pressures of her home situation. She had no access to benefits, lacked ID documents, and felt completely overwhelmed by the system. She hadn’t eaten properly in days. Emma was supported immediately to apply for universal credit. We offered Emma weekly one-to-one support with a peer wellbeing volunteer. We signed her up to the food pantry, she joined our positivity group, and we helped her apply for emergency fuel support and with her housing application. With her basic needs stabilised, she began attending the hub regularly and is very supportive of others who are navigating similar journeys. Emma is in the early stages of applying for part-time care work again. Her confidence, self-worth, and sense of belonging have grown enormously.
