Rosa’s story: juggling chronic illness during Covid-19 lockdown

I first came to the UK from Peru in 1980, with her then husband. After getting divorced I trained to be a teacher. I juggled my love of teaching with other jobs and being a single parent.

I have been teaching for 26 years, first teaching Spanish to early years children in a primary school. Later I taught adults at evening classes whilst also working as a carer.

Ten years ago, whilst working as a carer, I suffered an injury to my lower back. I now have a long-term back condition and work from home.

When my problems started my doctor told me I had osteoarthritis but saw my pain as quite ordinary. It became more and more painful and hard to manage. I even ended up going to A&E last year as it was so bad.

Before the first lock-down, I began treatment at a pain clinic. This had to be put on hold as the we went into lockdown.

Since then I have been trying to look after myself as best I can. I’m usually positive but the pandemic has made me feel very low, very depressed and not able to do anything. As a tutor at home my regular student stopped coming because of Covid-19. I have much less income.

I found the number for the Education Support helpline and spoke to one of your counsellors. They listened to how I felt and that really helped. She made me think about why I am useful and helped me feel more positive about my situation.

I also received a grant of £250 which has really helped with her bills given her reduced income.