Real Stories of Change
From Struggle to Support: Real Stories of Change with Citizens Advice New Forest
Sarah’s Story
Sarah was struggling with debt and managing her finances. Her mental health challenges had led her to disengage from support services, leaving her feeling isolated…
Recognising the complexity of Sarah’s situation, our adviser referred her to her GP’s social prescriber to provide support for her mental health issues, ensuring that Sarah’s emotional well-being was also prioritised.
In the meantime, our adviser reached out to Sarah’s landlord and successfully placed her rent arrears on hold for four weeks. During this time, Citizens Advice New Forest (CANF) applied for a Discretionary Housing Payment and the Household Support Fund from the local council to help ease Sarah’s financial strain. Additionally, Sarah received full energy advice, which led to support for her energy arrears, helping to clear part of her outstanding bills.
Sarah, the primary caregiver for her children, wasn’t receiving Child Benefit because it was being paid to her ex-partner. CANF intervened by contacting her ex-partner, leading to the claim being transferred to Sarah. As a result, Sarah was no longer subject to the bedroom tax, which reduced her arrears, and her Universal Credit was increased. We also supported Sarah in applying for a disability benefit, which she was successfully awarded.
Through these efforts, CANF helped Sarah increase her weekly income by £127. Thanks to ongoing support from our debt team, Sarah is no longer reliant on the foodbank. She now has enough money to support her family and is on a much stronger financial footing.
Steve’s Story
Steve faced a difficult and isolating situation when he reached pension age. His Universal Credit (UC) stopped, and he had not received an invitation to claim his State Pension. Without any income, Steve struggled to afford basic necessities, like food, and fell behind on his rent. His mental health took a serious toll, and he began to experience suicidal thoughts…
Our adviser was able to assist Steve with starting his State Pension claim urgently. In the meantime, Steve was referred to a foodbank and assisted in accessing several emergency funds. These vital applications provided immediate relief, allowing Steve to eat, heat his home, and pay a portion of his rent while waiting for his first pension payment.
When Steve’s State Pension was finally awarded, it was backdated for several months, giving him much-needed financial stability. He also made successful claims for Housing Benefit and a Council Tax Reduction, further easing his financial burden.
With these changes in place, Steve is no longer behind on his rent and no longer requires support from the foodbank. He now feels confident with his financial situation and knows that he can turn to us for further support if needed.
Brenda’s Story
Brenda came through to Citizens Advice New Forest (CANF) on the Macmillan advice line after being diagnosed with cancer. She was on a low income and struggling with her confidence. Brenda is dyslexic and struggles with form filling. She had attempted to apply for disability benefits herself but her claim was rejected…
The Hampshire Macmillan Advice Project offers targeted advice to people who are affected by cancer. Our adviser visited Brenda at home several times. She assisted in filling out forms for Attendance Allowance and Blue Badge. As a result, Brenda was awarded enhanced AA and was also granted a Blue Badge. Our adviser also made successful applications to the Macmillan Grant worth £350 and Friends Fighting Cancer grant worth £600.
Brenda’s housing association has also agreed to remove her bath and will fit her with a walk-in shower.
Brenda thanked CANF for her new found confidence and for helping her to maintain her independence.
You can find out more about our Hampshire Macmillan Advice Project here.