When Daniel was first referred the concern listed was simple: “Finances.” But as is often the case, the story beneath the surface was far more complex, and deeply human. 

Daniel was feeling overwhelmed by an upcoming Universal Credit review and the financial uncertainty that came with it. As our First Contact Worker, Jen, built trust over several sessions, other things began to emerge: the unprocessed grief of losing his mother, feelings of loneliness, and a growing sense of isolation. 

“I know it sounds silly, but I don’t usually open up,” he said. 

Jen gently reminded Daniel that grief has no timeline, and helped him access bereavement support. She also provided practical help like Household Support Vouchers and linking him to Citizens Advice to reduce financial stress. Gradually, Daniel began doing more for himself: getting out on his mobility scooter, walking his dog, and reconnecting with his love for football. 

That’s when Daniel shared something else: he wanted to lose weight. He had been to a consultant about breathing difficulties but was unable to fit into the scanner due to his size. He feared using weight loss injections after reading concerning headlines and felt stuck and scared, unsure how to move forward alone. 

A Hand-off Built on Trust and Team Strengths 
Recognising that Daniel now needed focused support around lifestyle change, Jen referred him to Charlie, our team’s Health and Wellbeing Coach. This is where the power of team collaboration came into its own. 

Charlie took time to understand what mattered to Daniel, building on the trust already established. At 170kg, Daniel found physical activity difficult, so they started small: 10-minute seated YouTube exercises, slowly building up to 20 minutes. Over time, his breathing improved, his fitness increased, and he began relying less on his mobility scooter, even tending to his garden again. 

Changing Habits, Not Just Diets 
Together, they restructured Daniel’s approach to food: 

• 🍽️ Three set meals a day to reduce evening overeating 

• 🥗 Focus on protein-rich foods like beans, seafood, and chicken 

• 🍞 Reduced bread and sugar, with better label-reading skills 

• 🍺 Lowered alcohol intake and increased dietary variety 

It wasn’t about restriction, it was about realistic swaps, better understanding, and feeling in control of his choices. Daniel noticed the extra protein helped him feel fuller longer, and the reduction in sugar eased the swelling in his legs. Crucially, his mood lifted, and he looked forward to each appointment. 

In just three months: 

• 💪 Weight loss: 23kg (from 170kg to 147kg) 

• 📉 BMI reduction: 49 to 42 

• ❤️ Blood pressure improvement: from 140/88 to 137/81

But beyond the numbers, the most powerful change was in Daniel’s confidence and outlook. He felt heard, supported, and empowered by a team who recognised the different layers of his story and worked together to meet him where he was.

Why Joint Working Works
This case reflects the strength of our team’s collaborative approach. Jen’s relationship-building and emotional support created the foundation. Charlie’s behaviour change expertise helped Daniel achieve meaningful, lasting progress. 

When we complement each other’s skills, we create space for people to explore their own goals, whether that’s mental wellbeing, physical health, or simply having someone to walk alongside them. 

Because for people like Daniel, what starts with “finances” can become the beginning of real, life-changing support.