Sarah has left her abusive partner; she is sofa surfing at peoples addresses and her universal credit has been suspended as she missed an appointment. She does not have access to a bank account as her ex had all her benefits paid into his account. She is struggling with her mental health and is feeling suicidal. She knows she needs to access her GP but she can only do this via the phone or on line. She wants to call the crisis team and 111 to seek support but cannot.
Sarah left her phone at her partners therefore cannot access any of the health support she needs; without intervention her mental health became worse and she made an attempt on her life.
All Sarah needed was a basic phone, she could have called the GP and rang 111. She could have commenced medication; when she got into a crisis she could have called 111 to prevent her taking an overdose.
All she needed was a phone with a small amount of credit.
James has recently been released from custody; he is living in temporary accommodation provided by probation. He struggles with ADHD and other physical health issues.
He loses a lot of things; and has lost his phone. He has run out of medication; is struggling to access the GP and needs follow up from the hospital.
James was supported to register with the GP when he was released from custody; however, several appointments were made for him with support from probation. Due to his ADHD he lost his phone; he missed his appointments and the texts reminding him so due to the number of appointments he missed he has now been removed from the GP service. He has run out of medication so is struggling with his mental and physical health; he cannot ring 111 to acquire another prescription. He has test results he needs as he may be anaemic. Health services cannot contact him as he has no phone.
He missed a telephone assessment with the ADHD; he has now classed as DNA so has been removed from the waiting list. He now faces another 2 year wait to be commenced on medication.
If James had a phone he would have been able to contact 111 and arrange for an emergency prescription; he would not have missed his ADHD appointment so could get the support he needs; he would be able to find out if he is anaemic and would be able to have ongoing monitoring and support from his GP.