Melissa's story

At 15 Melissa, from Surrey, suffered from extreme headaches and after seeing an optician was rushed to hospital where they found a brain tumour. The operation to remove it was successful but just over a year later the tumour returned. As a result Melissa suffered a stroke, which led to her losing her sight and being registered blind.

Due to problems at home, Melissa was offered accommodation by her local council. Melissa has a guide dog to help her get around but as her flat was on the first floor, Melissa experienced difficulties in accessing the guide dog facilities which were some distance away. Because the council considered her to be in suitable housing she was unable to apply for a transfer.

Melissa contacted Action for Blind People’s Team in Epsom where she met Heather, one of our Housing Coordinators. Heather went to visit Melissa and established that due to her illness she would need specialist equipment to maintain her independence. This equipment was vital but it would make her living conditions cramped and uncomfortable. Heather prepared a case which she then presented to the council outlining not only the need for this equipment but the difficulties Melissa faced in getting to her guide dog.

After many phone calls between Heather and the council it was eventually agreed that Melissa would be awarded priority status for a transfer. Melissa was eventually offered a new flat which she accepted and has now moved in. The assistive technology equipment means that she can now live independently, which is something Melissa always felt was a big challenge since losing her sight.

At the time that the second tumour developed, Melissa was in the sixth form studying a Health and Safety course as she really wanted to be a nanny. Her short term memory loss meant that she had to give up these studies and her education suffered as a result. At 28 years old she has never secured paid employment.

Unsurprisingly, Melissa wants to have a job and be financially independent. She is working closely with one of our Employment Coordinators and she has attended interview training. With her new found confidence Melissa has already attended two interviews recently and is now on an IT course at her local college. The future is now looking really promising for Melissa.

Melissa says I first approached Action for help with problems regarding my benefits. Since then they have supported me with so much more; from helping to sort out my housing problems, to getting a job. Action has made me feel there is a light at the end of the tunnel.