Neighbour in Need

[PJ2000]

I don't know where to post this really but here's hoping you lovely lot can help.

A neighbour approached me today to say she suffers anxiety, loneliness and panic attacks. She asked me if i knew anyone who could be her friend or 'buddy' that she could call on or chat to whenever she needed them. She lives in a huge cold house and says she lives like a 'pauper' and needs to be friends with someone who doesn't judge as she can't afford heating. She was really desperate and although I would like to help I have 3 under 5's and there is no way I could get too involved. I'd happily Pop and see her but she needs help really as you can tell she'd be on your doorstep at 2am just wanting to chat. Judge me if you will but I am not in the right place in my life to deal with that. Plus today was the first time I have spoken to her.

My question is who can help her? I suggested she visit the local churches and try the Internet for help groups but she said she doesn't have the Internet nor the concentration for it anyway (part of her anxiety).

I hope you can give me some ideas to get her some support.

Ask her if she has visited her GP if not could you see the GP and tell them what she told you?

Silver line is for the elderly.

Sorry forgot to add her age. She is early 50's so not elderly.

If you have time you could contact Age UK and see if they run a befriending service in your area. They do have them, just don't know if there's one near you.

I won't judge you, its good of you to be so concerned and offer to pop in.

Ok, I would get heavily involved to begin with and then let the professionals take over.

First of all you need to get somebody involved, find out her gp and maybe contact a local mh charity.
You will find details at local library or council offices.

Is there a church nearby where you can raise your concerns, even if she doesn't attend or they don't know her they will more than likely want to help.

You haven't got hours to spend being her buddy, I can see this but a little bit of leg work will see her with the right help.

Can you talk her round into putting heating on, making sure she has food and blankets to begin with.

Has she been to her GP? I have anxiety and panic attacks and was referred by my GP to Talk Plus where I got group therapy. I'm still in touch with the people I met on that course.

I got meds too.

She needs to speak to her gp for sure as there may be testament that could help. Also she could request an assessment from social services. I think there's a charity that arranges for people to live with people who need some support, in exchange for living there for free. Age concern can support people in their 50s and there might be a mental health charity such as mind who do befriending.