I live with my 19-year-old son in a two-bedroom home. I used to work as a bank nurse, but my health issues made it difficult to maintain a stable income. Over time, my financial situation worsened, and I found myself drowning in debt. I have a rare condition that requires weekly chemotherapy, and my mental health struggles left me unable to leave my house. I didn’t know where to turn, and everything seemed to fall apart.
Before I reached out for help, I felt overwhelmed and alone. My rent arrears kept growing, and I was threatened with court action. To make matters worse, my Personal Independence Payment (PIP) had been stopped due to an admin error. The stress was unbearable, and my health continued to decline.
Life-changing support
I was initially hesitant to reach out, but when I finally did, the support I received was life-changing. My Housing Officer advised me to seek help, and that’s when I connected with the goConnect Tenancy Sustainment Team at Glen Oaks Housing Association in Glasgow. They arranged for a home visit since I was unable to leave the house. Their Financial Adviser who visited me was incredibly compassionate and understanding.
During our first meeting, the adviser conducted a full benefit check and reviewed my current benefit claims. She recognised how critical my situation was and took immediate action. She contacted the Advanced Management Team at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and escalated my PIP issue. Thanks to her efforts, my PIP claim was reinstated and backdated, which helped me pay off my rent arrears and some of my other debts.
The adviser also helped me apply for the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF), which provided me with a new orthopaedic mattress and a fridge freezer—things I desperately needed but couldn’t afford. She suggested that my son could become my official carer, which would increase our household income, and she sent an email to the housing benefit office to correct the non-dependent deduction.
Connections for further support
Beyond the financial assistance, the goConnect team also addressed my mental health and social isolation. They referred me to their tenancy sustainment officer for additional support, including aids for my home and a referral to an occupational therapist. They also connected me with mental health resources and a counselling service and have continued to offer money guidance and support through follow-up appointments.
The impact of their support has been nothing short of transformative. My rent arrears were cleared entirely, and I no longer face the threat of court action. The financial support has significantly reduced my money worries, and I’ve been able to make my home more comfortable with the new furniture and carpets I received through SWF. Neither me nor my son are as stressed as we were, anxious over debt and money worries which has also helped improve my medical condition too.
Glen Oaks Housing Association’s ongoing support has been a lifeline. We are rebuilding our lives, and I am eternally grateful.
*We have altered the name of this person to protect their privacy.
