page 11
6th October 2010
Susie and I return to the council offices at Taunton, to explain that she was away from her accommodation last night. She is also hoping that she can have a night or two away, staying with her family on holiday in Devon. The break would do her good.
After speaking to reception, Susie walks away tearful and hardly able to speak. They had been very abrupt towards her and she now believes that she will be in trouble for staying out overnight. We are told that no one can see Susie until Friday.
I am very angry and immediately return to reception. This is the last thing Susie needs. I tell the receptionist behind the desk, "You have no understanding of the situation," but she isn't the least bit interested. She is tarring Susie with the same brush as everyone else. By now I am angry and tell her, "You clearly haven't had to cope with these sort of problems in your life!"
We leave the council offices feeling angry and very despondent. Why should Susie be penalised for staying out over night under these dreadful circumstances? Susie lets me know later that she has managed to make an appointment on Friday to see the woman dealing with her case.
It looks as though a few days break for Susie with her family is not on the cards at the moment..
