Joshua

Hi, I am Brenda and I work as the Advocacy Team Lead with Money Matters. One of our clients Joshua really needs your help!

Joshua is almost fifteen he has Autism, Tourette’s, and OCD. Joshua walks on his tiptoes because of his mental health conditions and as a result his feet are an abnormal shape, there is medical intervention to try to change the shape of his feet, but the NHS expect it will take years and may not be successful. He struggles to go up and down the stairs because of his physically disability. He uses a wheelchair when outside due to his mobility issues and to prevent severe injury as he falls to the ground whilst experience tics. He can experience a tic at any time and does not have sufficient time to make himself safe.

Joshua stays at home with his mum and two teenage sisters. Their home is overcrowded and whilst they are on the waiting list it is unlikely that they will be rehoused soon. His bedroom is on the ground floor and unfortunately the toilet is upstairs. He is incontinent daily and needs to be washed following the incidents. His mum needs to accompany him to and from the toilet to save him from severe injury when ticking on stairs. They have both had numerous injuries and his mum’s knee often dislocates when trying to save Joshua.

To lessen the need to go to the toilet the social work issued a commode. There is no space in his bedroom for the commode as it used to be the coal bunker. Joshua needs to use the commode in a tight space under the stairs in full view of anyone moving around the house. It is embarrassing for Joshua and unpleasant for others as the smell can linger in the hallway as there is no door.

The family have asked for a chair lift as this would make it easier for him to get to and from the wet room upstairs that has been installed for his use. Social Work have refused this. We are sure you will agree no young man should have to toilet in a stairwell. A chairlift would give Joshua his dignity and reduce the stress on his mum, as she would no longer having to empty and clean a commode. This would free up time that she desperately needs as her daughter also has special needs.

We feel that our last hope is that the generosity of the Scottish people will help Joshua get the support he needs.

Many thanks

Brenda Tamburrini

Advocacy Team Lead