Life changing support

Although the last six months have had a financial impact on many people, we’ve been able to support you. Check out just one example with Lucy’s story:

A couple of years ago, it appeared that she had it all. She was engaged, she was due her first child, and her full-time job meant she was financially comfortable.

However, that all quickly changed. Her partner left, she couldn’t maintain her three-bed house and, though she got another home with us and gave birth to her son Chester, the difficulties continued. She fell seriously ill, almost losing her life three times, and Chester was diagnosed with a hole in his heart.

Soon, Lucy fell into rent arrears and bailiffs turned up at her home for other debts. Completely overwhelmed and under intense pressure, she decided to go to the Arc to see what help might be available.

That was where things started to drastically improve.

She had a meeting with Chris, one of our Benefit Advice Officers, before having a visit from Sunita in our Support team. Before long, she helped Lucy to access funding to clear her previous debts and to get appliances such as a cooker and washing machine.

Not only that but, after a successful application to the Vicars Relief Fund, Lucy’s rent arrears were cleared and she is now fully in credit.

She said: “I can’t begin to explain how much of a difference all the support has had on me and Chester. Everyone has been so nice – nobody ever once judged me and the situation I was in. Sunita in particular has been like a guardian angel to me, and she’s still going above and beyond to help me now.

“Because of caring for my son, I didn’t used to get out much. However, I was encouraged to attend tea-time club at the Arc once a week which I loved, and people in the neighbourhood have been very kind too offering to get shopping and other necessities.

“Sunita and Danielle, from the Income team, have not only helped to sort my past and present, but they’ve supported me in terms of my future too. Earlier in October I started a Social Sciences undergraduate degree, and it’s been great so far.

“Everything has completely changed for the better. Without the help and support, we wouldn’t be in the much more positive place that we’re in now.”

We are here to help, so if you need financial support, please just get in touch with a member of our team.

To read more stories like this one, check out our latest edition of Key News.