Moving on with support from Moneywise Living

Reaching People’s Moneywise Living project delivers concentrated 1-2-1 support for those who are financially and digitally excluded. This helps them to become more resilient and better able to deal with life challenges, in particular the rising energy costs and general cost of living. 

 

One recent Moneywise Living client was living in temporary accommodation from April 2020 and was not able to bid for council properties. He wanted help to be able to bid or look for alternative properties. In addition, he was sanctioned and needed help with his Universal Credit. 

 

The client’s mother had just passed away and he felt that he was never going to be able to move and move on with his life. He had little support through the pandemic and doubted that anyone would be able to help him. He was beginning to suffer with anxiety and depression. 

 

 

The client said: “Initially the adviser helped me to submit proof to Universal Credit that I needed to end my sanction and arranged for payment of a birth certificate and passport photo. They also applied for a household support fund from Leicester City Council to help with a food voucher when I was sanctioned. My adviser also completed an application for a studio flat with Platform Housing and I was able to move into my own property. They helped me to move, get essential items for the property and register for bills. 

 

“The biggest outcome was that I was able to move into my own property and feel confident that I was going to be able to manage this. I am now independent and getting on with my life. My adviser got me a grant for a bike, so I am able to visit family and friends.” 

 

 

The client continued: “The adviser was able to apply for Redress energy vouchers for £294 to help with my energy bills. They also gave me a blanket and some energy saving light bulbs. 

 

“As my flat is only electric, I found I was topping up quite a lot for my electric. The vouchers I received will go a long way to helping with energy. I will also be trying to make the flat more efficient as suggested by turning lights off, putting curtains up and using the electric storage heating efficiently. 

 

 

The client explained: “If I hadn’t received support from the adviser, I would not have been able to move on from temporary accommodation. Also, I have never had my own tenancy, so the support was invaluable. 

 

“I also received a sim card which helped as I could not afford to top up my phone. The data was also helpful as I did not have internet in my flat. 

 

“I received support and advice (from Moneywise Living) when I did not think anyone cared, so it was a really good experience.”