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She cares for her friend but has her own money worries
A lady came to a CAP Life Skills course with her friend, who was struggling financially, mainly to support the friend who was already a debt client with us. They both enjoyed the course, but when she completed the survey at the end (course members take the same survey at the start) her R to cope with life showed little improvement.
On a subsequent phone call to see how she was doing, she explained about her own money worries and close-call eviction, so she also called the CAP 0800 number and is on the road to debt help herself.
A father has money worries and is short of food
When life gets tough there can be lots going on at the same time! Following a marriage breakup, a father had to provide most of the care for his 3 children. Life was stressful and debts built up. Together with our expert and caring Debt Advisers at CAP we supported the client through a path to resolving his debt issues.
On this occasion an agreed short term arrangement with the creditors for now but with a plan in place for a fuller solution in due course. As always though I asked ‘how are you doing for food?’ This, understandably, can be a bit awkward and embarrassing for the client. After explaining that we don’t want them to be going hungry, and that local folk have specifically donated into a particular fund for this, then they start to open up. On this occasion the need was for fridge based items that the kids got through quicker. (For other clients it might be items to complement the tins etc from the foodbank, e.g. mince and bags to put portions in the freezer). So, I popped to the shop with a list and then dropped it around. It is clear that clients really value the support they are getting – not just with their debt problems but also with a bit of help with food when things are particularly difficult and the fact there are people ready and willing to help support them.