TALES FROM THE TEAM 

PASTORAL CARE 

This story is about bullying, indifference and housing department officials ignoring potentially dangerous repairs to the property… the situation is ongoing and shows how we can help each other in such situations. An elderly lady (Iris a friend from bible study) with a son how has cerebral palsy and epilepsy living in social housing and for some time has been bullied by a neighbour, with police reluctant to speak to the neighbour as they are very abusive. Iris reached out to me and two other friends explaining the situation, which was causing her to be unwell. Acting as an advocate I spoke to the housing department who were unhelpful, indifferent, evasive, threatening… basically telling Iris to go away.  At the end of this first meeting Iris ended up with ICU for 4 days with palpitations. On advice I contacted the local MP for the area. We subsequently have had a meeting with the MP who has taken all the evidence including photos. The MP explained Iris’s rights as a tenant and explained what would happen next. One lesson from this situation is that very often people appear that all is well and put on a good happy face and demeaner but inside they are hurting and do not know if it is OK to seek help. My lesson is too be present to what is not being said and reach out. We praise the Lord for His guidance and working in this situation.