Following a mental health crisis that led to unemployment and homelessness, Colin found himself living in temporary accommodation with spiralling debts and struggling to cope financially. Living on just over £300 a month, he was unaware of benefits and financial support he may have been entitled to and found navigating forms and services overwhelming.
Working alongside Citizens Advice, our Village Agent provided tailored support to help Colin understand his options and access the help available. Together, they completed applications for housing benefit and council tax relief, while Citizens Advice supported him with debt issues and additional benefit claims.
As Colin’s situation became clearer, other challenges also emerged. Unable to drive and without a freezer, he was relying on expensive local convenience stores for food. Support was secured through local charities, including a freezer from Taunton Heritage Trust and a £150 Household Support Fund voucher, helping to ease some of the financial pressure.
Over time, the combination of debt advice, benefits support and practical assistance helped transform Colin’s circumstances. By the time support ended, his housing benefit application was being processed, his financial situation had improved and he felt more positive about the future.
Reflecting on the support he received, Colin described his Village Agent as “one of the most helpful, considerate, and compassionate professionals“ he had ever met, adding that the support helped him remain calm, informed and supported through a particularly difficult period in his life.
Colin’s story demonstrates the positive impact that timely support can have during difficult circumstances. Through the Crisis Resilience Fund, Village Agents and partner organisations can help eligible residents access practical assistance, financial support and advice tailored to their individual needs.
We are partner of the Crisis Resilience Alliance. To learn more about the Crisis Resilience Fund and the support available, visit: citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk/crisis-resilience-fund/
To protect the client’s privacy, their name has been changed for this article.