Gareth

Gareth is an older gentleman living in Northampton town centre.  He suffers from osteoarthritis, a condition that makes it difficult for him to walk long distances. Although he can still drive, the lack of a Blue Badge meant that parking close to his destination was often impossible, making everyday activities like shopping or attending appointments increasingly difficult.  Gareth had already applied for a Blue Badge twice but had been unsuccessful on both occasions.

Due to his health, Gareth struggles with both writing and using a computer.  He found it hard to know what to say, or how to say it, on the application form, which made the whole process feel daunting and disheartening.  Without a Blue Badge, attending social events, seeing friends and family, or even going out for essentials became harder and harder.  He began missing out on things he once enjoyed, and over time this led to growing frustration and a deep sense of social isolation.

When Gareth approached us for help, we were more than happy to support him.  Our team worked closely with him to gather all the relevant evidence and documentation and took time to really understand his situation.  It quickly became clear that he met the criteria and should have been awarded a badge previously.  Together, we completed his new application, writing it on his behalf but with his full input and support.