£0 remaining for replacement spectacles
X, who is in her twenties and on Universal Credit, is struggling to cope, living in cramped, overcrowded accommodation with her three children, one of whom is a baby. She is finding it impossible to keep her head above water with the increasing food and energy costs, and now has an additional and unexpected expense. One of her children sat on, and broke, the spectacles she needs to wear all the time. She has no spare pair and is not eligible for an NHS optical voucher, as illness did not cause the damage. £80 would buy a replacement pair.
This young Indian lady is starting her second year of a MSc in Bioprocessing and Therapeutics, after doing well in her first year. She lives with her husband and their seven month old child, who was born in the UK with medical problems. Dad was working to support the family, but he lost his job recently, as the contract ended. He has a hearing impairment which limits the jobs he can apply for. Mum is being helped with the university fees by the St Vincent de Paul society and others.
This single parent has three children, aged six, three and six months old. All three have severe lactose intolerance which limits food choices. The baby's conditions is the most severe. Mum needs help buying alternative dairy free milk and foods which are more expensive, especially in school holidays. She has asked for a hand blender to prepare food for the baby from the family meal, so that she can be sure it is safe for him. The landlord is selling up and they are worried about where they are to live, which adds to the stress.
R has worked all his life but, after making a one-off mistake, found himself with a conviction and lost his job. At the same time, his partner was made redundant and they have both been out of work for some time. After trying to get help from Citizens Advice and the Job Centre, he has come to us for help into work, but is struggling to pay his utility bills. This contribution towards his gas and electric would help R ease the stress of his payments, and help him short-term while we support him.