‘Very reassured’ – success story of the month – Kate’s client

A food bank client felt “very reassured” after our Adviser Kate was able to secure her a grant for a new fridge.

The client had been struggling financially and was referred to the food bank because she could not afford to buy food.

In addition, her fridge was not working, she had been notified she was going to be moved from tax credits to Universal Credit, and also needed to apply for PIP.

Through the Food Bank Project, she was put in touch with our Adviser Kate who was immediately able to source a grant from The Gloucestershire Society worth £150 for a new fridge.

Kate also put the client in touch with Emily of our Help To Claim team who was able to show her she would be no worse off under Universal Credit as long as she claims by the managed migration deadline.

The client will also have a PIP appointment with us shortly to help her reapply, having been turned down previously.

She said: “I told Kate I did not have a fridge at the moment – it was in a bad state of disrepair. She said straight away she would look for a grant for a fridge.

“I did not know Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire could do this.

“She got back to me the same day saying I had been awarded a grant for a fridge. It was probably a couple of days later that it was paid.

“Both Kate and Emily were so helpful. I feel very reassured. It’s nice to know there’s help out there – I didn’t really realise. They were a huge help.”