For our client and their family, Covid was the start of extreme financial hardship. This was followed by years of debilitating health issues. Our client did everything they could to support their family, but were left in serious debt and battling depression.

Since finding financial relief with the Mind and Money Programme, their life has truly changed. For anonymity we will call our client Al.

Al’s Story

Al is a British/Bangladeshi man in his 40’s living with his wife and 3 children in a rented property in Wirral. 

Al was a self-employed taxi driver for many years, and received legacy benefits which topped up his wage. In 2020, his business took its first hit due to Covid national lockdowns, triggering the family’s financial hardship that would follow them for the next few years. 

His wife’s health started to deteriorate & she experienced traumatic health scares. At the same time, Al developed arthritis and nerve issues. The couple now suffer from chronic pain and mobility issues. Both were left battling with severe depression.

Despite this, Al works incredibly hard to push through his own health challenges to care for his wife. 

Al has been unable to continue working, and the family’s legacy benefits were not nearly enough to cover their expenses. 

They desperately tried to prevent priority debts, but the family did accrue significant energy debts and relied on credit cards to pay their other essential bills. 

Luckily, Al was referred to our service. When we met him, he was feeling totally hopeless, and unable to see a way out of his financial difficulties. 

 

How Did The Mind & Money Programme Help?

Our partners at Citizens Advice Wirral identified significant potential to increase the client’s household income.

  • Universal Credit maximised: Firstly, their case worker helped the family switch to Universal Credit, secure additional benefits, and avoid the benefit cap, giving the family significantly more income.
  • Energy debt cleared: Support from the Household Support Fund which cleared the family’s energy debt.
  • Additional claims made: The family were also awarded Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Credit card support: The family were connected with debt caseworkers to support with the credit card debts that they previously relied on.
  • Financial skills: The service are now working with Al’s wife also, supporting her with her personal income maximisation & budgeting.

Over the course of a year, the household’s income will have increased by £27,815 after accessing our support. This is a truly life-changing amount of money for this family.

Where are they now?

After years of financial grief, our clients are finally able to meet their household expenses. They no longer have to be gripped by financial turmoil.

Not only is this an immense emotional relief to the family, but it also gives them a chance to focus on improving their health.

Al shared that for the first time in years, his children were overjoyed as he was able to take them all out for a meal.

Upon closure our client was so grateful for the support that he was brought to tears. He says “I have never received support like this before. I don’t know where we’d be without you.”

Get in touch

Are you looking for additional well-being help, advice, and financial support in Liverpool city region? Are you struggling with the cost of living crisis, food prices, and energy bills?

If you need help with any of the above, or would like to know more about the assistance received by our client, please contact our friendly team on 0151 706 0113 or hello@thewo.org.uk.

Our advisors and support workers are here to help you reach your goals. 

Visit our Mind & Money information page here to learn more about the programme.