Helping a Single Mum Who is a Survivor of Domestic Violence

The client is a single Mum and has an 8-year-old daughter that attends the school.

• The client is a survivor of domestic violence, and her ex-partner has left her with debt.

• The client has multiple health issues and has recently had an operation for thyroid cancer and now is on post op treatment.

• The client is in receipt of UC.

When she came to see us, she reported she has been seeking help but has struggled as she spoke very little English and felt no one could help, and she was at the end of her tether.

One of the grant assessors could understand Urdu a little, between her little English and her little Urdu we managed to fill in the grant application. The client reported that she was having to make difficult choices between having a meal or paying council tax, she was afraid to get into trouble with the authorities, as she didn’t know what the outcome would be. A taxi was arranged to take the client to our drop-in at the Bridge Coffee for onward support with our benefit specialist.

Outcome –

• Awarded the client a single bed with mattress for the little girl.

• Awarded £150 Food Vouchers

• Anna conducted a benefit assessment and claimed additional benefits.

• Offered debt support.

• Directed client to English classes held at the Bridge Community café on Thursdays.

The client was extremely grateful for our services and said that our help would have a life-changing impact on her and her daughter’s life.