Following a series of unexpected events outside her control, Nina* found herself in a very difficult financial situation despite having a good job within the print industry.
Her situation meant that she was unable to receive any state benefits, but still in desperate need, she used independent benefit entitlement checker EntitledTo to see if there were any charities supporting people with her occupational background who could help, and found the Printing Charity.
Financial assistance and help with household essentials
Nina’s experience with the charity showed her how important it is for people looking for support to take that step and make contact. “I thought it would be embarrassing,” she admits. “Having to own up and say I’m struggling, but there’s nothing wrong with asking for help when its needed. When I spoke to the charity there was no judgement, patronisation or pity. I felt comfortable.”
Nina appreciated the way that we made it clear from the start what we can and cannot provide financial support for. “It was good to know the parameters from the start,” she says.
For Nina, financial assistance equals space to implement a workable plan that will steadily improve her situation. “The charity’s support is a stepping stone that has given me the breathing space to be able to see that I can get out of my debts, so I can see light at the end of the tunnel,” she says. “I am now able to have a goal that, by the end of the year, I’ll be out of my overdraft, then can start paying off other debts.”
Help with essential household items such as white goods and carpets was something she was not expecting, but it took a weight from her shoulders. “Even though it was desperately needed, I would never have been able to think about replacing my carpet”, she explains. “But now it’s done, and I haven’t had to worry about the fact that it would be adding to my debt.”
Remember: there is no shame in asking for help
Nina’s advice to anyone finding themselves in her situation is to remember that there is no shame in asking for help.
She encourages people who may be struggling not to have assumptions about whether they are likely to be eligible for support from somewhere like an occupational charity. She explains: “Just because you’re working full time, you own a house, have a good job, you might think ‘oh, I’m fine’, but everyone has things that can happen which are not their fault.
This was the position I found myself in, and I say to anyone also in it, please, swallow your pride. People might assume that the only way they can get help is if they qualify for benefits, but this isn’t always the case and as I learnt, there are other places where help is available. You can’t be in a worse situation by asking.”
As Nina says, the Printing Charity is here to support people in print through challenging times. Contact our friendly team on 01293 542 820 or e-mail support@theprintingcharity.org.uk.
*Name changed