Mary was the victim of an online scam, resulting in £6000 being stolen from her bank account and £10,000 in bank loans taken out in her name. She was hesitant to ask for help, and fearful about being the victim of further scams.  

Our partner charity supported Mary through this difficult situation. We spoke directly to Mary’s family and liaised with the bank to cancel bank cards, ensuring Mary still maintained access to her pension. We focused on Mary, discovering she had several medical conditions and supporting her to claim Attendance Allowance, increasing her income by over £100 a week. Through our support, Mary was alerted to her options to claim Housing Benefit and Warm Home Discount. We connected Mary with our Digital Inclusion support, ensuring Mary knows how to spot and avoid online scams in the future.  

Mary received an update that the £6000 will be reimbursed and all fraudulent bank loans have been cancelled. Mary’s increased weekly income means that Mary can pay her bills and stay warm; however, more importantly, her peace of mind has been restored.  

John, James and Theresa aged 18 – 24 arrived at our partner charity offices on a bright summer’s day. They were homeless, having travelled from Ireland in the hope of a better future. In Dublin, they had been living on the streets, with no prospect of accommodation or employment.  

Our partner charity secured emergency accommodation for the three friends, ensuring they had a safe and restful place to sleep. They were not financially secure, with little money and no access to further finances. We supported them to apply for birth certificates, national insurance numbers and universal credit, as well as supporting them with travel costs so they could attend appointments and job interviews. We gave them IT access, enabling them to create their own email addresses, and providing them with UK SIM cards and phones. We acted as a care of address for all DWP and health correspondence until they secured accommodation. These steps made sure John, James and Theresa stayed safe, well and connected while adjusting to life in a new city. 

We also supported John, James and Theresa with GP registration, opening bank accounts, and connected the group to local services most suited to each of their needs. We recognised the bravery of three young people coming to a new country and city to make a new home, but equally the vulnerability of being far from Ireland, lonely and isolated. All three are now in employment, have found safe places to live and are receiving support for their health and wellbeing.

Tom moved to Britain from Ireland in the 1980s, and met and married his wife, Christine. He worked as a HGV driver for 20 years, and Christine was a care worker. However, in 2018 Christine was diagnosed with dementia at just 53.  

During lockdown, Christine’s condition deteriorated, and Tom had to make the difficult decision to have her sectioned so her needs could be met. Christine was taken into residential care, and lockdown restrictions meant Tom was unable to visit. When he was finally able to see Christine regularly again, Christine had become non-verbal and lost all mobility.  

Incredibly, Tom managed to get Christine up and moving, and the couple’s savings paid to convert the garage into a bedroom and washroom for Christine. Christine is still non-verbal but “much happier” at home, Tom says, and she’s made huge progress, walking 5-10,000 steps every day. However, Christine is unable to wash, feed or change herself, and Tom has taken on the role of her full-time carer.  

Our partner charity has supported Tom and Christine in numerous ways. “They’ve helped me so much with doctor’s appointments and medication. They even got a doctor to come out to the house to see us,” Tom says. We’ve also helped Tom apply for his Irish pension. “I don’t want anything I’m not entitled to,” Tom insists. “I didn’t even know I could claim it.” They often attend the weekly Lunch Club.  

Beyond our partner charity’s financial and practical support, Tom says it’s knowing that there’s someone there who cares that really makes a difference. “My emotions are all over the place,” he admits. “But between visits and video calls, I’ve had loads of information, ideas and laughs.”  

“They’re always checking in, seeing if we’re OK or if I need anything. They're a blessing - that’s the only way I can put it.”