Joanna – who’s name has been changed to protect her anonymity was struggling with debt, fines and rent arrears when she found out she was pregnant for a second time. She was referred to our Tenant Support Service where we helped her to gain access to all the benefits she was entitled to. We also worked with with Money Saviour – a local not for profit financial advice organisation and her social worker to make sure her court fines were more manageable. As a result Joanna began to make regular rent payments which meant bailiffs would no longer appear at her front door.
To help with Joanna’s addictions we were able to get her onto a relapse preventative prescription that helps to wean people off of drugs, she also started to receive support from Recovery Cymru. We then provided counseling that helped Joanna to understand what a healthy relationship consists of after previously suffering from abuse.
After entering into a parenting programme and improving many aspects of her life Joanna received the news that she can retain custody of the child she’s just given birth to.
She is still engaged with her parenting support and the mother and baby are doing well. Tenancy Support have also helped her to receive funding for a new fridge freezer through the Speak Easy Energy Advice Project and has had over £900 of utility debt expunged.
Joanna ultimately wants to gain back the custody of her son and is in the process of getting increased visitation as we speak, her family’s future is looking better than ever.
