In the last year we have helped more than 3,000 former and current industry colleagues with around £2.1M spent on welfare support, be it financial assistance or through the new Helpline. Just a few of their stories are told below:
"My life has changed over night, thanks to Caravan. I am a man of 45 years old and cried when I opened your letter. I can finally eat two meals a day, instead of one every other day."
Mr D contacted Caravan as he was having trouble making ends meet, with more outgoings than incomings each week he was finding it hard to buy basic essentials and did not know where to turn. After a visit from one our trained Welfare Assessors, Mr D was enrolled as a beneficiary and now receives a quarterly payment which equates to an extra £15 a week. The assessor was also able to offer guidance on additional state benefits.
"Thank you for the help you have given us. This means so much to us; it is the difference between existing to living. We can now stop worrying so much and concentrate on coping with my partners illness."
Mrs M contacted Caravan as she was having financial difficulty following the life-threatening illness of her partner. She works within the delicatessen department of her local supermarket, but as she is now the main carer for her partner has had to reduce her hours considerably. The couple live in rented accommodation and although they have sold their car, they were still having trouble making ends meet and owe money on a fridge/freezer that was recently replaced. After assessment by a Caravan Welfare Assessor, Mrs M was accepted as a beneficiary. To help her with the payments on the fridge/freezer a year's benefit was paid up front as a lump sum. The Assessor was also able to offer guidance on carers benefits.
"I cannot tell you enough how grateful we are for your support. When I opened your correspondence I was in total shock and couldn't speak, my wife thought it was another bill. I had to read it several times before it sunk in; when it did a great wave of relief came over me. Thank you so much for helping us in our time of need."
Mr and Mrs K, live in a rural area and have three children. Mr K has worked for his local supermarket for 11 years, however, his wife who previously worked at the supermarket for more than 15 years is currently unable to work due to health problems. Their youngest child also has a life-threatening genetic disease, which has required regular trips to specialists in London. The needs of the youngest child has put severe financial constraints on the family, even with some support from the primary care trust and the local community. They have no financial back up in savings and any extra cost is a worry. After a visit from a Caravan Welfare Assessor it was decided to enroll both Mr and Mrs K as beneficiaries. It was also decided to pay Mr K's annual benefit up front to help with continuing costs of taking their child to hospital appointments in London.
"I had heard of Caravan, but did not actually think I could get the help you are giving me; I feel I can smile again. The visit from the Assessor in itself helped so much. I enjoy the newsletters and I will wear my 'Friendship' badge with pride. Thank you."
Mrs W and her husband live in their own home, both are in their 70s and are suffering from ill health and mobility problems. Mrs W before her retirement had worked for 40+ years for a major food supplier. Although the couple receive state benefits, their increasing ill health has required additional expenditure which has exhausted their limited savings and the couple have sold their car. After a visit by a Caravan Welfare Assessor, Mrs W has been enrolled as a beneficiary and a stairlift has been fitted to enable them to stay safe in their own home.
Thank You
We receive many thank you letters and cards from those we help which highlight the huge difference that Caravan is making to people's lives.
