At 66, Janine, originally from Liverpool, found herself facing some of life’s toughest challenges alone. Living in Stoke-on-Trent with a terminal illness, she had been bed-bound for several years. While she received four daily care visits and had support from her ex-husband and family, much of her day was spent in isolation.
As her health declined, everyday tasks became overwhelming. Managing bills, correspondence, and finances grew increasingly difficult. When her social worker went off sick, Janine’s situation quickly escalated, bills went unpaid, direct debits were cancelled, and debts began to build.
Beyond the financial stress, Janine was struggling emotionally. She described feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unable to cope. Despite being a sociable and chatty person, her world had become small and lonely.
Stepping in at the right time
Revival’s service stepped in at a critical moment, providing both practical support and human connection.
The first priority was to stabilise Janine’s finances. Staff spent time contacting utility providers, creditors, and service companies to explain her situation and advocate on her behalf. Over several visits, arrangements were made to bring her bills, debts, life insurance, funeral plan, and care costs up to date. Direct debits were carefully reinstated and aligned with the dates Janine received her benefits, helping her avoid further arrears and regain a sense of control.
Alongside this, Janine was supported to understand her income and spending. Together, they created a clear and manageable budget so she could see exactly what money she had left each month for essentials. She was also referred to Potteries Moneywise for additional expert guidance, strengthening her confidence in managing her finances independently.
At one point, Janine had run out of food and was left with very little to eat. An emergency food parcel was arranged and delivered to her home. During that visit, she was also given a bouquet of flowers, a small gesture that had a big emotional impact and lifted her spirits on what turned out to be the final day of her support journey.
More than practical help: the role of Befriending
While the financial support was essential, it quickly became clear that Janine’s wellbeing depended just as much on social connection.
Janine was already receiving regular phone calls from Dougie Mac, but she expressed a strong desire for face-to-face interaction. As someone who described herself as sociable and talkative, she missed having meaningful, in-person conversations.
Through Revival’s befriending service, Janine was connected with a volunteer befriender who could visit her at home. This relationship brought warmth, companionship, and a renewed sense of normality to her daily life. Having someone to talk to in person gave her something to look forward to and helped her feel connected to the world again.
A turning point
With the right support in place, Janine’s situation began to change.
Her finances became stable and manageable, and she no longer felt overwhelmed by bills or unexpected costs. She became more mindful of her spending, reducing unnecessary purchases and avoiding subscription traps that had previously caused problems. A shopping and cleaning service was also introduced, helping her access nutritious food and maintain a better quality of life at home.
Just as importantly, her emotional wellbeing improved. The combination of practical support and regular companionship meant she no longer felt alone in dealing with her challenges. She was able to relax, sleep better, and feel more in control of her life.
“A weight lifted off my shoulders”
Janine spoke openly about the impact the service had on her life.
“Before your support, I just wanted to put the cover over my face, close the curtains and hide away. I was so upset and couldn’t sleep because I was worried about everything.”
“Now, it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can finally rest.”
She also reflected on the importance of befriending in her journey.
“Having someone to talk to in person has really helped me. I feel less alone and more like myself again.”
Supporting independence through connection
Janine’s story highlights the real impact of Revival’s befriending service across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
By connecting volunteers with people experiencing loneliness and isolation, the service does more than provide company. It helps people rebuild confidence, improves emotional wellbeing, and supports them to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
For Janine, befriending was not just a friendly visit. It was a vital part of her recovery, helping her move from a place of distress and isolation to one of stability, dignity, and connection.
Because sometimes, the most powerful support begins with simply being there for someone.
Want to find out more about Revival’s Befriending Service? Find out more here
