I am registered blind, have a hearing impairment and have been a wheelchair user since having a hip replacement operation.

I had a care package managed by my council which ensured that I had Somali speaking carers but the carers often came late or did not turn up at all, they were often rude and there were issues around cash going missing.

I was talking to a friend about my situation and they suggested that I contact the Organisation of Blind Africans & Caribbeans (OBAC), as they had a Somali speaking adviser who might be able to help me. OBAC visited me and explained how to get a personal budget to manage my own care. They helped me to develop my support plan and get it approved.

I am now much happier about my situation as I have been able to employ my own carer from within my own community. My carers share my cultural values and as a result I am much more comfortable and content with the help that I am receiving.

I can’t thank OBAC enough for helping me to get through a difficult period in my life and would recommend their services to anyone needing help.

Photography posed by a model.