Vivian's story

“To go from nowhere to getting support was incredible, I didn't even know this existed. It relieves so much stress, looking ahead at winter knowing that we will have some things to help."​

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The challenges of being a full-time carer​

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Vivian, a single mother of two, has faced a series of overwhelming challenges. Her youngest child has severe autism and epilepsy, which means she is a full-time carer and unable to work due to her child’s constant needs. On top of that, she recently fled an abusive relationship, moving with her children into a council house that needed urgent repairs and adaptations for her son’s safety.

 

With no time to look for additional support, and constantly juggling caring responsibilities, Vivian quickly found herself struggling financially. She took loans from family and friends to make basic repairs to their new home, ensuring the safety of her children, but was still struggling to pay for her heating and electricity bills.

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"I had no choice but to take loans from family and friends to make sure the house was safe for my son, but we were really struggling. It’s not been easy for us."

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Discovering the Lightning Reach portal

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Vivian was referred to the Lightning Reach portal by a family member after expressing concerns about her rising electricity bills and the struggle to keep her home warm. Initially, she was hesitant, feeling too tired and stressed to navigate the process of applying for support. Her full-time caregiver duties and lack of free time left her doubtful that she could even manage the applications.

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"I am often tired and get no rest, so I have no free time to go and look for support. But a family member encouraged me to try the portal.”

 

However, when she gave it a try, Vivian found the process straightforward and efficient. The portal connected her to SHINE, a fuel poverty energy advice service and referral network. They provide advice on saving energy and grants for heating and insulation. Vivian applied for help with both her utility bills and essential home equipment.

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“It was straightforward and easy. I didn’t think I could do it by myself as sometimes you need a referral or social worker but I was able to complete the whole application by myself in 6-10 minutes.”​​​​​

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Receiving timely support

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Through Lightning Reach, Vivian received £150 for her energy bills, which allowed her to heat her home, and over £300 for home adaptations including an air fryer, a slow cooker and three good-quality quilts.

 

"I was really anxious, but then they reached out by phone. I was smiling with my kids when they contacted me, it was a relief, it meant everything."

 

The impact went beyond just financial relief; it also eased Vivian's mental strain. The stress of managing her son's care, alongside financial worries, had been overwhelming, but the support from SHINE gave her some peace of mind.

 

“If I felt hungry, I would need to starve so I could pay for my electricity; it was affecting me mentally and was very stressful. The new duvet I received is such great quality, it is going to last a long time and I'm going to feel warm this winter. I wouldn't be able to afford it myself."​​

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Looking ahead with hope

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Vivian's experience with the Lightning Reach portal has not only provided her with much-needed support but has also given her more hope for the future. She now feels confident referring other parents in similar situations to the portal, knowing it can make a meaningful difference in their lives as it did in hers.

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"I would like to say I am very grateful. You have no idea the impact [the portal] has on people's lives.”

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Vivian’s story highlights how accessible support can significantly improve the quality of life for people in vulnerable situations. Through Lightning Reach, she was able to receive timely aid that not only improved her quality of life but also eased her mental strains and worries about her family's well-being. The support has given her a sense of relief, knowing that she can better care for her children and face the future with less anxiety.

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“When I received the order, I smiled so much. It has been a long time since I smiled like that.”