Advent Calendar Day 17: Bethany’s story
Bethany,* her husband and three children were living in a privately rented home. She suffered from long-term illness and poor mental health meaning she could only work part-time and was often off work sick.
Trapped in a vicious cycle of unaffordable energy, low income, ill health and other cost-of-living pressures, Bethany had accessed National Energy Action’s support several times over recent years, each time receiving crucial support to help her family through immediate crises.
After a week-long hospital stay during the school summer holiday, the family’s monthly income was drastically reduced. With all three children at home, daily food and energy costs rose, and due to Bethany’s health conditions, additional money needed to be spent on keeping the house warm. All of this meant the family was struggling financially.
Our adviser was able to offer the family some immediate relief in the form of an energy top-up voucher, assisted Bethany to apply to her local authority’s Household Support Fund grant scheme and sign her up to the Priority Services Register. Finally, we provided Bethany with energy-efficiency advice to help the family going forward.
This gave Bethany the boost she needed to keep her home warm and safe for her family.
The help we provide is only possible because of the incredible support we receive. Your generosity can change lives and mean more people like Bethany can feel warm, safe and secure in their home this winter and beyond.
Support Operation Warmth and help spread warmth and hope this Christmas.
DONATE *Pseudonym used to protect client anonymity.