Nidhi's story

We spoke with Nidhi, a single mother of two. She and her two children had experienced domestic abuse, and when her ex-partner stopped paying child maintenance, they were left in a vulnerable position. As household costs continued to rise, keeping up with day-to-day expenses became increasingly difficult.

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“Gas, electricity and water have increased. Life is difficult when you are a single mum”

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Finding a way forward

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Nidhi knew she needed support with rising costs and her reduced income. With a background in teaching, she looked for support available to those in education. An email from our partners at Slough Borough Council referred her to the Lightning Reach portal.The portal enabled her to quickly find and apply to the Teaching Staff Trust. She found the experience straightforward and efficient. 

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“When I was applying for it, it didn’t take me more than 10 minutes. It was so quick and I have never seen anything more efficient and accessible in England yet.”

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Practical help with real impact

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Nidhi soon received an update on her application to the Teaching Staff Trust. 

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“To be honest, I was not hoping for the best, but it was a miracle.”

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She was awarded £1,500 in total:

• £750 was paid directly to her council tax account.

• £500 was used to reduce outstanding debt.

• £250 was used to cover essential day-to-day costs for her family.

 

With her council tax covered, Nidhi was able to redirect her focus towards reducing debt. The remaining support helped her manage everyday essentials for her children, including school meals.

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“It was amazing - I received the email, they called me, they said this is happening. It has made a huge impact.”

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Giving back and moving forward

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The support Nidhi received brought stability at a time when she needed it most, allowing her to take control of her finances and focus on her family’s future. It also gave her the confidence to start supporting others.

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She now volunteers with two organisations helping women affected by domestic violence, offering guidance shaped by her own experience.

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“It gives me a sense of relief that I’m helping people with my experience. There is always a chance to bounce back and there are people out there who can help you. So you are not alone.”