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Teaming up to make things better

Teaming up to make things better

After struggling with debt, wellbeing issues, and unsociable working hours- eventually leaving him with no choice but to give up his job- Nick (name changed), a customer, now lives comfortably with his young son thanks to our teams’ support. 

We’d initially called Nick to talk through some of the ways we could help with mounting rent arrears- but it quickly became clear that he and his 10-year-old son were in crisis.

During the call, Nick told our Income Management Team about how other debts (like Council Tax), isolation from his wider family, having to leave his job, and noise nuisance in their neighborhood had compounded their practical and emotional struggles. And Nick now had to balance the added responsibility of caring for his son full-time due to his ex-partner sadly passing away. 

After reassuring Nick that we’d do all we could to make things better, our teams set about making it happen: 

  • With their sights set on ensuring he and his son could return to living without money worries, our Money Advice team used their expertise to scope out any support payments Nick was eligible for- like Local Welfare Provision- helping him to overcome the debt he’d been struggling with. 

  • Our Tenancy Support and Sustainment (TSS) staff then worked with our Enforcement Team, who were able to address those noise issues and prevent Nick from approaching neighbors himself.  

  • And TSS kept the ball rolling by signposting Nick to his local UCAN centre, where staff played a critical role in helping with packed lunches over the school holidays and directing him (and his son) toward some of the wider community support and activities on offer. 

When you consider the circumstances, it’s easy to see why both Nick and our staff were incredibly proud when school told us his son hadn't once arrived late during this time- despite a two-mile walk to school, then back, each day. Nick made the decision to keep his son at this school (despite closer options being available) to prevent from causing him any more distress. 

While our teams’ support had taken much of the weight off Nick’s shoulders, we knew he’d need to be closer to his family (without having to make lengthy journeys) to give him and his son the best chances at living comfortably without relying on our support going forward.  

So, our TSS colleagues did what they could to bring Nick and his son closer to their family. This took some time, so we continued to support Nick with essentials like food (thanks to @Bolton NICE), bus passes, and school uniforms during this process- before he was eventually offered a ready-to-let two-bedroom property in an ideal location.  

Nick tells us he, his son, and their dog are loving their new property, and thanks to childcare provisions now being in place, he’s looking forward to stepping back into employment as he looks for another job. 

And although nothing can make up for the sad passing of Nick’s ex-partner, it’s reassuring to know the support of aunties, uncles, and cousins is now just a stone’s throw away for Nick and his son. 

Nick’s story of improving things for his family is one of many we’ve been able to share over the years. If you think we could help you (or someone you know) with things like money advice, employment, antisocial behaviour, housing or tenancy-related matters, or something else- call us on 01204 328000. 

You can also visit these pages which will fill you in on just some of the things we can help you with: