Real stories
Grace’s Story
Grace, single mother of four children and carer of parent, recently experienced a bereavement, struggling to make ends meet.
Foyle Network Foundation made a referral to ASK advice service for a benefits review, who made a PIP application. This claim was successful and Grace was awarded £440 per month. Referrals were made to Surestart and family hub, where Grace and her children attended various programmes.
I came to the foodbank to get support with food not expecting to get support with everything else. I was suffering with my mental health & Louise advised me to go to speak to my doctor to tell them how I was feeling. As a result, my medication was reviewed & I was referred to the primary care team. I started attending programmes with Surestart which got me out of the house and talking to other mums. Ethos family hub supported my older children. We had a great Christmas with the support I received from the foodbank and the other organisations that I was referred to. Going to the foodbank changed my life in unexpected ways. If it hadn’t been for Louise encouraging me to get support for my mental health, I would never have made the first step. I wouldn’t have gone for a benefits check. I am now in a position where I no longer need to use the foodbank.
Michael’s Story
Michael, a self employed father of two children, had to reduce working hours to care for one of his children who has additional needs. We made a referral to ASK advice service, who helped him apply for benefits his family was missing out on.
His claim was successful in securing him £1,156 per month. As well as the fortnightly support, Michael joined the credit union and starting on our savings scheme.
I have nothing but good words to speak of the Foyle Network Foundation and everyone involved there, went above and beyond for us, they got us into a position now where we are financially able to leave the Foodbank. I will continue to support and save with them in my credit union. They are a much needed and invaluable service in today’s world.