Long Covid continues to impact hundreds of people across Ipswich
It may be four years since the outbreak of the Pandemic and for most people lives have returned to ‘normal’, but for a significant number the physical effects of Covid 19 still loom large in their lives.
The lasting effects of the Pandemic have radically changed lives in the Ipswich area and Citizens Advice Ipswich is working with health Colleagues to support those affected by Long Covid.
Ipswich along with West Suffolk and Colchester Citizens Advice were commissioned by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in October 2021 to support patients with Long Covid to make the adjustments they need to deal with their change in circumstance.
Since the project started, the Ipswich team have achieved over £235,000 income for the clients referred by Covid 19 consultants at Ipswich Hospital, helping them make new claims for welfare benefits and supporting them with reinstating benefits that had been halted.
The Long Covid Ipswich team works as an integrated part of the Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment service, this allows for patients to have a holistic experience. As well as supporting clients with urgent issues due to financial hardship clients are facing, the team supports people to apply for benefits, both disability and means-tested and advises them on employment issues. The team also support clients with broader aspects of Social prescribing, supporting Health and Wellbeing.
*Barry (not his real name) was a self-employed builder. As well as Long Covid, he was suffering with joint mobility issues. He had drawn down a pension and he and his family had been living of that income since he had been unable to work. This income was coming to an end and he was referred to the Long Covid Ipswich Team as he was very worried about making ends meet. Like many self-employed people, he didn’t think he would be entitled to any help from the state. The Team were able to support him in applying for welfare benefits and apply for other grants. His wife sent this comment to the adviser: “Just for info, *Barry has got the support group for Employment Support Allowance. Such a relief. Personal Independence Payments will be paid till July 2026 so for now we’re sitting good and don’t need to sell the house to live. The Blue badge has arrived as well. Thank you so much for all your hard work in helping us get to this point, you changed our lives.”
Sue Kennedy, Long Covid Social Prescriber at Citizens Advice Ipswich explains:
“People who have contracted Long Covid have often waited some time for a diagnosis and the outlook remains uncertain, both in terms of time and to what extent they will make a full recovery. Many things that affect their health cannot be treated by doctors or medicine alone, like the inability to go to work, issues returning to their previous job, worry about studies interrupted, families left without financial or practical support, isolation or stress due to problems with debt or housing. Our service helps people explore what matters to them and what they can do themselves to improve their wellbeing and health. As Social Prescribers we are a conduit for emotional support and Wellbeing as well.”
Nicky Willshere, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Ipswich says:
“This joint project provides a service for a substantial number of people whose lives continue to be impacted by the global pandemic.
“The team have supported over 300 clients living with Long Covid. This can affect anyone of any age and we have seen people whose lives have effectively come to a halt because of the broad range of symptoms and witness daily the profound impact this has on individuals and their families. We have endeavoured to help clients navigate issues from benefits, income maximization, housing, employment and social isolation.”