Jenny's story

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Jenny found the Lightning Reach portal through our partners at CDER

Struggling to stay afloat after a change in work hours

Lancashire, England

“Things have been really tight since my hours got reduced at work. There have been weeks where I’ve had no choice but to borrow from my family.”

We spoke with Jenny, who works part-time, and had always managed to stay on top of her bills - until her working hours were reduced. The drop in income quickly turned everyday budgeting into a struggle. Essentials like energy bills became harder to manage, and the pressure of trying to make ends meet started to build.

“Things have been really tight since my hours got reduced at work. I try to budget as best I can, but there have been weeks where I’ve had no choice but to borrow from my family.”

When she was contacted by CDER about council tax arrears, she expected it to be a difficult call but instead there was a helping hand - a referral to financial support through Lightning Reach.

“At first I wasn’t sure - there are so many scams out there - but I needed help, so I gave it a go.”

Clear, simple, and stress-free

Logging in for the first time, Jenny wasn’t sure what to expect - but she found a simple process that exceeded expectations.

“Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. It was all really straightforward - the layout made sense, the questions were easy to follow, and it didn’t take long at all. It was refreshing.”

The ease of using the portal made a real difference to Jenny during a difficult time. She was able to complete her profile quickly and began exploring support options tailored to her situation. For Jenny, using the Lightning Reach gave her clarity and a way forward.

“It was helpful seeing everything laid out in one place. It gave me a better idea of what’s actually out there.”

Creating a positive experience through CDER referrals

The referral from CDER was more than just a link. Jenny found the experience empowering - a rare feeling during a tough time.

“It’s not always easy finding support but having something that lays it out clearly makes a big difference. I’d give it top marks, definitely.”

Support is more than just financial help, it’s also about giving people clarity, confidence, and a place to start.

Could you or someone you know benefit from financial support? Create your account today at www.lightningreach.org/application-portal to see what you're eligible for.