Read how 50 year old Vivian from Wembley, was attending a hairdressing course at Harlesden Library when she noticed BHM were offering blood pressure checks.
Vivian’s blood pressure was high, and she explained to BHM staff that she was experiencing severe stress as her son was unsettled at school due to bullying. Vivian explained, “It was terrible, relentless bullying, and my son didn’t want to go back to school. My son was threatening to harm himself and I was applying and applying to new schools, but I couldn’t find anything. It was a really hard time for us.”
After explaining the situation to the BHM Community Coordinator for Harlesden, the Coordinator was able to enlist the support of other BHM staff, including a Senior Social Worker and Community Connectors who support residents to access mental health services.
The social worker liaised with school admissions and was able to find a place for Vivian’s son at a new school, and Community Connectors referred both Vivian and her son to Talking Therapies. Vivian was also supported to register with her local Family Wellbeing Centre so that she and her son could receive ongoing support.
Vivian shared, “BHM has changed everything for us. When I told the Community Coordinator what was going on, he jumped into action! He kept calling to ask how I was doing and supported me like this situation was his own personal problem.
“The way BHM handled my case has and will save lives. I was completely down, and the BHM team went the extra mile to help. It was so important to me that I didn’t feel forgotten or left to struggle by myself. It goes a long way.”
Vivian has since told us that her son loves his new school and is much happier, and that her own blood pressure has returned to normal.
Vivian said, “I feel good, I feel healthy, and I am feeling positive about the future.”