Nicola's story

“When we heard we got more support from [the Home is Where the Harm Is campaign] it felt like Christmas day. It was amazing to see my son happy. We were able to afford healthy food, which is crucial for his condition. The support also helped us with transportation costs, which are essential for getting to his medical appointments.”

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Overcoming financial and emotional challenges 

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Nicola, a single mother from Cardiff, faced immense challenges due to financial hardship, health issues, and domestic abuse. As a mother of two, with one dependent child, Nicola was struggling emotionally and financially.

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“I am a single parent and I’ve got two children, but one depends on me. My daughter moved into her own flat in October last year, and I had to help her with furniture. I was also in a financially and physically abusive relationship for years, which ended last October.”

 

Nicola's son has disabilities that require special care, and she herself suffers from pernicious anaemia and mental health issues.

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“I suffer from chronic fatigue, poor memory, and balance issues due to my pernicious anaemia. My son is disabled and very overweight due to a lack of mobility. He needs special shoes that cost around £60-£100. Financially, it’s been a nightmare.”

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On a minimal wage and receiving sick pay, she faced mounting debts and daily expenses that exceeded her income. Nicola had difficulty affording essential items, paying bills, and covering transportation costs for her son's medical appointments. She was unable to access proper government assistance and support from local authorities, leaving her feeling helpless and overwhelmed.

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Finding and applying for essential support

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Determined to find help, Nicola explored various options. It was through a friend that she learned about ABTA Lifeline and the Lightning Reach portal.

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“Despite working in the travel industry, I didn’t know about ABTA Lifeline until a friend told me earlier in the year. Initially, I thought my situation would improve, but it got worse. When I finally decided to try, I was amazed at how quick and responsive they were.”

 

Nicola created her profile on the Lightning Reach portal and found the application process straightforward despite her initial concerns.

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“I was very satisfied because it was very easy to fill in. Despite being neurodiverse and sometimes struggling with forms, the portal made it manageable.”

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After applying to ABTA Nicola received an email from Lightning Reach informing her that she was also eligible to apply for further support via the Home is Where the Harm Is campaign. This campaign, launched during the Euros 2024 and aims to raise and distribute funds to support adults and children escaping abuse. This application was even easier for Nicola to complete as information she had provided in her previous application was already pre filled this time around.

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“Oh my God, it was so easy! At first I thought I would have to fill out all the same info again, I just had to click a few buttons this time, I thought wow, click click and it was done.”

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Through the portal, Nicola successfully applied for a £200 grant from ABTA Lifeline and another £200 from the Home Is Where the Harm Is grant.

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Immediate relief and positive impact on everyday life

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The support Nicola received made a significant difference in her life, alleviating some of the financial and mental burdens she faced daily.

 

“The £200 vouchers helped me buy food and essential items. I was able to put food in the cupboards, buy washing powder, and even managed to get some proper meals for my son. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.”

 

Nicola’s son also benefited from the support, which allowed her to ensure he had nutritious meals and the proper care he needed.

 

“When we heard we got more support [from the Home is Where the Heart Is campaign] it felt like Christmas day. It was amazing to see my son happy. We were able to afford healthy food, which is crucial for his condition. The support also helped us with transportation costs, which are essential for getting to his medical appointments.”

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Empowering support and future outlook ​

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Nicola found the Lightning Reach portal to be an invaluable resource, offering a quick and efficient way to access much-needed support.

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“I felt better about my financial situation after using the Lightning Reach portal. It made it quicker and easier to find support options available to me, options I may not have found otherwise. The portal’s ease of use and immediate response were crucial for me.”

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Nicola's story illustrates the vital importance of having accessible support during difficult financial times. Her positive experience with the Lightning Reach portal highlights how proper support can change lives.

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“Without Lightning Reach, I wouldn’t have known what support I was entitled to. It has been a super positive experience, making a big difference when no one else was helping.”

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Nicola’s journey demonstrates the critical need for awareness and accessibility of support services for those in similar situations, ensuring that help is always within reach.