Tom moved to Britain from Ireland in the 1980s, and met and married his wife, Christine. He worked as a HGV driver for 20 years and Christine was a care worker. However, in 2018 Christine was diagnosed with dementia at just 53.

During lockdown, Christine’s condition deteriorated, and Tom had to make the difficult decision to have her sectioned so her needs could be met. Christine was taken into residential care, and lockdown restrictions meant Tom was unable to visit. When he was finally able to see Christine regularly again, Christine had become non-verbal and lost all mobility.

Incredibly, Tom managed to get Christine up and moving, and the couple’s savings paid to convert the garage into a bedroom and washroom for Christine. Christine is still non-verbal but “much happier” at home, Tom says, and she’s made huge progress, walking 5-10,000 steps every day. However, Christine is unable to wash, feed or change herself, and Tom has taken on the role of her full-time carer.

Leeds Irish Health and Homes has supported Tom and Christine in numerous ways. “They’ve helped me so much with doctor’s appointments and medication. They even got a doctor to come out to the house to see us,” Tom says. We’ve also helped Tom apply for his Irish pension. “I don’t want anything I’m not entitled to,” Tom insists. “I didn’t even know I could claim it.” They often attend one of LIHH’s weekly Lunch Clubs.

Beyond financial and practical support, Tom says it’s knowing that there’s someone there who cares that really makes a difference. “My emotions are all over the place,” he admits. “But between visits and video calls, I’ve had loads of information, ideas and laughs.”

“They’re always checking in, seeing if we’re OK or if I need anything. They're a blessing - that’s the only way I can put it.”

Due to some difficult personal experiences, Des had found himself sleeping rough and misusing alcohol. After coming into contact with Leeds Irish Health and Homes, Des moved into one of our supported housing tenancies - and having a roof over his head and support close at hand meant that his situation improved considerably. 

Some years later, word reached Des that his brother - who had also been sleeping rough - had passed away in London. Des wanted to go to the funeral but, due to his mental health issues, felt that he couldn't make the necessary arrangements. He spoke to his tenancy support worker about struggling with feelings of guilt and shame. 

Leeds Irish Health and Homes arranged for a team member from a sister organisation in London to meet Des at King's Cross and accompany him to the funeral. We made arrangements for some appropriate clothing, a return train ticket and a modest B&B. Des’ family were coming over from Ireland, and he wanted to present at their best. 

Thankfully, Des was able to give his brother a proper farewell. He also reconnected with family members, and they remain in contact today.

“A private landlord would never have done what Leeds Irish Health and Homes did for me,” says Des. “But they really do care deep down.”

Katrina, who lives in Wiltshire, did an impressive job of being a remote carer for her mum Christine, based in Leeds, for five years, putting technology and support in place. “I had Meals on Wheels and a cleaner/carer going in,” Katrina says. But after a couple of worrying incidents, she realised that Christine needed specialist care, and Katrina started to explore care homes. 

“There’s this perception that a care home equals bad,” Katrina says. “But when I found Mum’s home, I was blown away. They’ve got all the specialist training and qualifications,” she says. “I realised I could never provide what they do - they exist for a reason.”

So far, so good - but sadly, Katrina found that when Christine moved into care, many friends and family drifted away. “Leeds Irish Health and Homes, however, remembered her, stayed connected, and made sure she still felt seen and valued as part of the Irish community she’s always loved. They’ve even thrown an Irish party for her at the care home with live music, Irish dancers and the food she remembers from her childhood, with Mum as guest of honour!” 

Knowing that her mum has regular visits helps Katrina as well as Christine. “Knowing she’s not been forgotten, and that others still see her beyond the dementia, brings real comfort,” she says. “Leeds Irish Health and Homes are an incredible organisation. We’re so grateful.”