SPINA Bifida sufferer Suzanne Lyddiatt claims she could be forced out of her flat unless she can find a part-time carer. If nobody is found, it could mean that she would have to spend weekends in respite care.

By Nick Richards

SPINA Bifida sufferer Suzanne Lyddiatt claims she could be forced out of her flat unless she can find a part-time carer.

If nobody is found, it could mean that she would have to spend weekends in respite care.

The 49-year-old, who is confined to a wheelchair, was in residential care in Purplett House, Ipswich, for five years until she was rehoused to her own flat four years ago.

For three years she has been in paid care, living in Berners Street, but earlier this month she was told by her social worker that her agency would no longer be funding her care visits.

Despite her disability, Suzanne manages to put in a 30-hour working week in an Ipswich charity shop.

Staff at the Scope shop in St Matthew's Street said that Suzanne's volunteer job had given her a lifeline, but now the woman who has helped so many, herself needs someone to provide a helping hand.

She now needs a volunteer to help her from February 8 at weekends.

A spokesperson for Suffolk County Council social care services said: "Suzanne certainly won't be left without basic care, but what we can offer at the moment is far from ideal. She really needs four visits a day, with two carers present each time at her home. This is a demanding arrangement, and for particular reasons the independent agency has withdrawn its contracted services to Suzanne."

The spokesperson said that social care staff are currently in talks over direct payments so Suzanne could arrange and pay for the care herself.

n If anyone can help Suzanne, please contact her at Scope in St Matthew's Street on 01473 225473.