Rachel was referred into the Oasis Court support (IDVA) service for help around a court case involving her ex-partner.
In her first call she said that her biggest problem was her ability to pay for housing; she was living in private rented accommodation on a joint tenancy with the perpetrator and now that he was no longer contributing to the rent she was unable to afford it. We discussed her options and Rachel applied for discretionary housing payments to support her rent payments for 3 months. She used this time to apply for jobs.
In her second call Rachel told me about concerns regarding the impact of what has happened on her children; her oldest child was going to school in a dress size too small for her. She was unable to take off her cardigan, even in the warm weather, as the dress did not zip up at the back
With Rachel’s permission we put out a call for a new uniform on social media. The response was incredible and we were able to provide a new uniform to Rachel, as well as create a stock of uniforms for future need.
Rachel was also concerned about her third daughter who was having night terrors. I liaised with Early Help who helped her to access psychological intervention for her daughter and also went to medical appointments for her daughter with her.
When Rachel started getting job interview offers she needed interview clothes; we arranged for her to go to our Oasis Charity Shop as she did not have the money for clothes. She said
I’ve just been down to the Oasis shop, I had no idea it was right on my doorstep. I’ve got a lovely suit and shoes to wear on Tuesday. I’m so grateful. Thank you so much
When Rachel was offered a job that she described as her ‘dream career’ she took the decision to leave Kent and find accommodation elsewhere. With supporting letters from Oasis and Early Help, the new local council were able to provide support with access to housing benefit. She found new schools for her two oldest children and was able to access nursery places and funding for the two youngest.
Following the move, there were several breaches of bail by the perpetrator. Oasis liaised with witness care to ensure that Rachel could give evidence via a live link and from an undisclosed location so that the perpetrator did not find out where she is now living. Ultimately Rachel did not have to give evidence as the perpetrator pleaded Guilty on the day of trial. She received outreach support from the CAB Witness Service and was able to obtain a restraining order which means she has a protective order for the future.
Rachel has been so focused since and has always been grateful for the support she has received so that she can make decisions about how to move forwards. She is thankful for the inter-agency work so that she does not have to keep updating each agency with what has been going on and now that the criminal case is over she has expressed thanks for the support she has received and feels that she has closure.
If you or someone you know needs support, we are here.
Get support
Call our helpline on 0800 917 9948 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 09:30–11:30am, 12:30–2:30pm
Thursday and Friday 09:30–11:30am, except bank holidays) or email helpline@oasisdaservice.org (if it’s safe to do so)
If you or your family are in immediate danger please call the police on 999 (if you can’t speak, cough or tap the handset then press 55 on your phone – the police will know it’s an emergency)
In a non-emergency situation, you can call Kent Police on 101.
Get support
Call our helpline on 0800 917 9948 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am – 4.30pm) or email helpline@oasisdaservice.org (if it’s safe to do so)
If you or your family are in immediate danger please call the police on 999 (if you can’t speak, cough or tap the handset then press 55 on your phone – the police will know it’s an emergency)
In a non-emergency situation, you can call Kent Police on 101.
*All images used on this website are representative. All names are anonymised for people’s safety.