In December 2006 Alan Bainbridge received a long-awaited compensation award. As a result, he became financially independent again and beyond the scope of Elizabeth Finn Care assistance. However, his ‘story’ remains just as valid since it vividly charts the support he received from Elizabeth Finn while waiting for his award to be confirmed, thus enabling him to maintain a roof over his head, buy food and clothing, and pay the bills.
Alan Bainbridge has devoted his career to caring for others. Sadly, because of this, he is now unable to work and often suffers severe pain.
For eighteen years Alan was a community nurse in Newcastle upon Tyne until he suffered a back injury while lifting a disabled patient. He was told he wouldn’t be able to work again.
“I’m a real people person and I loved my job,” he says. “So the accident was a real blow. In those days, you weren’t offered an alternative position if you were injured at work”.
After 14 months of unemployment, Alan was itching to get back to work. “It seemed such a waste not to use my expertise and training,” he says.
He took a job with Newcastle social services, training unemployed people as care workers. When the project lost its funding and he was made redundant, he set up his own home care business.
“It was very community based and we looked after all kinds of people with different problems in their own homes,” he explains.
The work was intensive and the hours long. After 11 years, the stress of running a business, coupled with increasing back pain, began to take its toll and his doctor advised him to give it up.
Refusing to be beaten by his problems, Alan started work as a practice nurse in a doctor’s surgery. Just as he was getting back on an even keel doing work he loved, fate dealt another cruel blow. Driving home from work one night three years ago, a taxi ploughed into the back of his car triggering his back injury again.
Unable to work, Alan faced a bleak future. Although he didn’t have any debt, his savings had been spent over the years on private medical treatments and home modifications to make it easier to manage.
Alan qualified for just £84 per week in income support and incapacity benefit.
“I was refused disability allowance because I was told my problem wasn’t bad enough,” he remembers. “And I was too young to receive help with heating bills.
“I had to cut back on so many things. I loved eating out with friends but that stopped. Not being able to go out didn’t help my situation at all”.
Then he read an article in the local paper about Elizabeth Finn Care and a friend found more details online.
“They were so helpful,” he says. “I started to receive a Regular Allowance which means I can do things I wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
“Before I found EFC I was worried and depressed about how I was going to manage. I can’t speak too highly of them. They have been fantastic.
“They also pay my car tax and insurance, and my household insurance. If I have a crisis, like repairs to the house, I know I can turn to them for help. It’s such a comfort knowing there is someone looking out for you”.
Initially reticent to admit to his financial difficulties, it wasn’t easy for Alan to approach EFC.
” When you are used to helping other people, you feel a bit embarrassed to ask for help yourself,” he admits. “However, now I don’t mind telling people I am being helped by EFC and how wonderful they are. In fact some of my friends have sent donations because they have been so impressed”.
Desperate to do something useful again, Alan is looking for part-time work. His age counts against him as does his back injury which makes prospective employers immediately wary.
In the meantime, Alan is offering aromatherapy massage and counselling: something he started in his last job.
He has recently treated an elderly friend with a bad shoulder. She was so delighted that she sent a donation to EFC to thank him.
It seems tragic that, with all his potential and compassion for others, Alan is held back by his own disability. Alan doesn’t see it that way though:
“I give myself little projects like getting out and visiting someone every day.
“It hasn’t been easy. I’ve suffered from depression because of my back problem and it’s a terrible thing. You have to try to be positive and get on with your life. There are people with far worse problems than me.
“Elizabeth Finn Care has really helped me pull through. As well as financial help they send a birthday cheque and the most beautiful hamper at Christmas. They make you feel there is someone out there who cares about you.
“I’m so much happier now I know money is coming in each month. Having my car taxed and insured is a real lifeline because, without it, I couldn’t go out as I can’t walk any great distance.
“I’m not too proud to talk about the help EFC gives me. They have made such a difference to my life and I’m grateful to them every day”.
