Michelle, an Abri resident living in Petersfield, was referred to Abri’s Employment Services in January 2023 by her Tenancy Sustainment Officer, Luke Bowers. At that time, she was unemployed, had high rent arrears and was struggling with her mental health. Here’s her story.
“Initially, I needed help to obtain photo ID as I was applying for roles but then could not progress my applications because of a lack of ID. A UK Citizenship Card would be the quickest and most cost-effective option, and Employment Services agreed to pay for the card so that I would be in a better position to secure paid employment.
“The process of applying for the card proved challenging and, combined with my declining mental health, I was really struggling. I was in regular contact with the Income team as my arrears were continuing to rise and I found these conversations fraught and very stressful. I was also in regular contact with Luke Bowers, Tenancy Sustainment Officer, and tried to keep him updated with what I was doing. At this time, I also had daily contact with Employment Services who supported me to submit the evidence for the Citizenship Card and called them on my behalf to ensure I was able to get the correct verification.
“My anxiety about my arrears was rising, I wasn’t sleeping and was having very negative thoughts. Throughout this time Abri was always happy to listen and provided me with someone to talk to whenever everything got too much.
“During this period Luke and my local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) supported me with advice about my debts. CAB and East Hants Council helped me apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to help with my arrears.
“Once my UK Citizenship Card came through I had support to search for jobs and was regularly sent potential opportunities. I also spoke with someone on a daily basis to talk through my next steps, worries and anxieties.
“I was accepted on a care course and applied for a DBS certificate, however before this came through, I was offered a job at Petersfield Linen where I have worked previously. I took the job with Petersfield Linen because it was an immediate start and I needed to start earning some money because my arrears had reached a point that my case had been referred to court.
“I started work full time in March 2023 and Employment Services have continued to support me, texting me each day when I first started. In addition, I had a pre-court assessment meeting booked with my Income Officer, but I was now unable to make the meeting because I would be at work. I didn’t want to ask for time off in my first week and there is nowhere private where I could take the call at work. I was very anxious not to miss the meeting but could not contact anyone to let them know during work hours and when I emailed my Income Officer she was on leave. I contacted Employment Services one evening after work and they assured me that they would get hold of someone in the Income team, explain my situation and arrange for someone to call me when I was free after 4:45pm. Sure enough the following day I was contacted by another member of the Income Team who was able to arrange the meeting for after work one evening.
“At this meeting I was able to explain that I was now back in work and would start to pay my rent in full and a little extra each week to slowly reduce my arrears. This meant that the Income Officer was able to help me set up a payment plan and assure me that the court action would be stopped immediately. This was a huge relief and then only one day later I heard that my application for a Discretionary Housing Payment had been granted and the majority of my arrears were paid off.
“In the weeks since then I have continued to slowly pay a little extra each week so that now my arrears are paid off and I am in credit which is fantastic.
“Going back to work has been challenging at times and I have had some days where I have been fed up. On those days I text Employment Services and they call me after I finish, and we chat through the day which is really helpful. I’m not sure what my future plans are, but if know that if I decide I want to look for something else then Abri’s Employment Services will be happy to help me.
“Getting back into work has enabled me to clear my rent arrears which means I am no longer at risk of eviction. It has also given me a huge boost, increased my sense of self-worth, improved my family relationships, and improved my mental health. I am now much happier and more confident.”
