Meet Claire
After fleeing a violent relationship, Claire and her young son faced homelessness and hunger. We helped her to get the benefits and support she needed to start over.
Claire says she never expected anything more than a food parcel when her health worker referred her to us.
“I thought I was just coming to collect some food, and then would go home again,” the mother-of-one says.
“But they were very friendly and asked me how I was living, and if I was getting any benefits. I didn’t have my National Insurance number because my ex had it. And I couldn’t do anything without it. That was stopping me getting any help.”
An advisor from the First Love Advice & Support Service helped Claire get her National Insurance number quickly, which meant she could start getting the benefits she desperately needed to provide for herself and her son.
“That was the key to everything. I was so happy.”
Less than a year later, Claire volunteers with a local children’s centre, has just completed a course in child development and is looking forward to pursuing her career aspirations. She is contemplating whether she wants to return to working as a nurse, or consider beginning a career in an entirely new industry and work as a Business Analyst.
“I have come so far and now have a very good positive path. I now have something to be happy for.”
“The charity didn’t let me down and they are still there for me if I need them.”
Claire plans to start volunteering with the First Love Foundation later this year.
*Name has been changed.
How you can help
Want to help the local community? There are lots of different ways to get involved.
Donate money
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Donate time
We have a very small team, so any time you can give will make a difference – from helping at our office, supporting as an interpreter for non-English-speaking clients, providing your graphic design or filming expertise for our social media posts, and so much more. We couldn’t do it without you.