Lucy's Story

A few years ago Lucy’s husband Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  At first she coped really well as Steve was still able to go out to familiar places in their community.  But as the years passed, Steve became less mobile and Lucy began to feel more isolated and confined to the house.  Days would pass without speaking to anyone aside from people phoning about Steve’s care.  Lucy could feel her personality changing and her temper shortening. 

Lucy decided to ask her case worker about support for carers.  Lucy was referred to the Eric Liddell Befriending service and based on similar interests was matched with Alison.  Alison was delighted to be able to help someone in her community.  She looked forward to getting to know Lucy and to give her a break from her carer role. 

For their first meeting, the women decided to go see a show in the festival.  Lucy was amazed at how much better she felt after just two hours of not having to make any decisions.  Over the next year, they continued to meet twice a month exploring Edinburgh and attending exercise classes together.  Lucy started to feel less stressed and isolated; she began to feel like herself again.   

Their friendship has really helped Lucy cope with the deterioration of Steve’s health.  Lucy even asked Alison to come along to some of Steve’s consultation meetings to give her some much needed support.  Although Lucy and Alison’s 12 months with the befriending service have come to an end, they continue to meet regularly and have become true friends.  Through our Befriending programme, Lucy has been able to break the cycle of isolation she was experiencing as a carer.