Individual Grant Stories
Please note: Names and some personal details have been changed to protect individuals’ privacy. These case studies are based on real applicants and reflect the genuine impact of our support.
Lisa’s Story – Mobility Scooter
Lisa is a single mum living with her young son. Due to ongoing mobility issues and chronic pain, she had been relying on crutches and found it increasingly difficult to get around.
Simple activities like going to the shops or spending time outdoors with her son had become exhausting and often impossible.
Through our Individual Grant Programme, Lisa received funding for a mobility scooter and was also supported in applying for the grant and connecting with the local Independent Living Centre. There, she was introduced to new equipment options, including a wheeled walker, which has already made a difference in managing her pain day to day.
Just days after receiving her mobility scooter, Lisa told us how much it had transformed her and her son’s life:
The scooter arrived on Friday and in just four days, it’s changed everything. I can do more of the things I enjoy and, most importantly, I can do more with my son – at his pace.
He said it’s the best thing to happen in ages. I even took him and his friend to the skate park and down to the river – something I haven’t been able to do for ages.
Thank you, not just for the scooter, but for the support, the help with the forms, and for putting me in touch with people who helped me see new options. I’ve come further in the last few months than I had in the past year and a half.
Sarah’s Story – Replacement fridge freezer
Sarah, a pregnant mum of a three-year-old, was just about coping financially when her fridge freezer suddenly broke down. She lost over a week’s worth of food and had no means of keeping anything chilled. With no savings to fall back on, Sarah applied to our Individual Grant Programme. We were able to provide her with a replacement appliance, delivered quickly to her home. This meant she could return to preparing proper meals without worrying about food spoiling.
I was so stressed. I didn’t know what we’d do without a fridge. This support came at exactly the right time.
Jane’s Story – Support with Debt Relief Order Payment
Jane recently fled domestic abuse and has been finding it difficult to rebuild her life. Currently pregnant and starting a new family, Jane is determined to create a better, safer future for herself and her daughter, free from the lasting impact of abuse. She is working closely with several professionals, including refuge staff, social services, and the perinatal mental health team, to regain control of her life.
Jane had accumulated debts but had already taken steps to manage them by setting up an account with Step Change Debt Charity. However, she couldn’t afford the payment to apply for bankruptcy, a vital step towards future financial stability. Her bankruptcy fee was covered through one of our individual grants, enabling Jane to take this important step forward.
After everything I’ve been through, this support has given me hope. I’m ready to move on and build a better life for me and my daughter.
Ahmed’s Story – Support with course fees
Ahmed is a refugee who has been living in the UK for three years with his wife and two young children. Ahmed is officially registered to practise medicine in the UK and has been actively applying for jobs, but many local hospitals require an ALS (Advanced Life Support) certificate. Ahmed has been in contact with hospitals about arranging observational placements to gain practical experience, while working in cleaning roles at supermarkets to support his family in the meantime.
We were able to cover the fees for the course and this support has made a real difference, helping Ahmed to take an important step forward in rebuilding his professional life in the UK healthcare system. Ahmed praised our grant programme for being clear, supportive, and well-managed, giving him hope and motivation during what has been a challenging transition period.
The grant helped me take an important medical course that has improved my qualifications, and I hope, will be a key step toward securing a job in the UK healthcare system. This support has also eased financial pressure on my household.
David’s Story – Food vouchers and a cooker
David is a single man who has worked all his life but has recently struggled to find employment. He had fallen behind on his electric and council tax bills, and his credit card direct debit was temporarily stopped to manage payments. Despite regularly attending the Jobcentre and applying for jobs, he hasn’t had any luck so far. He wants to stay in the area because his 10-year-old son lives nearby, and he wants to remain close to him. At home, he only had a microwave. David told us that he felt embarrassed to ask for help, and sometimes relying on a friend to provide meals was difficult for him.
David received supermarket vouchers and a cooker through our Grants for Individuals Programme.
The food vouchers kept me going and having a cooker again has made life a lot easier – I’m so grateful for the help.
Emma’s Story – Two new beds
Emma is the guardian of two young girls living in Chippenham. After both children’s beds broke, the family couldn’t afford replacements, and this was beginning to affect their sleep and wellbeing.
Through our Individual Grant Programme, we were able to fund two new children’s beds, helping to restore a sense of comfort and stability at home.
The grant has helped us give two little girls a comfortable good night’s sleep after their old beds were broken and temporarily fixed. They sleep so well now. Thank you!
