Zainab's story

“It was such a relief. I’d been trying to manage everything on my own for so long."

 

We recently spoke with Zainab, a single mother of four living in Slough, who was finding it increasingly difficult to cope financially. Relying on a limited income to support her family, the rising cost of essentials meant everyday life was becoming harder to manage.

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Although she was receiving some support from benefits, it wasn’t enough to cover everything. She hadn’t looked for additional help before and wasn’t sure what she might be entitled to, or where to even begin.

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“I was doing everything I could. I didn’t know what other help was out there or how to find it.”

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Finding help when it was needed most

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Zainab found the Lightning Reach portal through Slough Borough Council. Although she wasn’t sure what to expect at first, she found the process of signing up and completing her profile surprisingly straightforward. Even with English as her second language, the portal was clear, easy to navigate, and reflected her circumstances well.

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“I thought it was going to be confusing, but it was actually really easy. The questions made sense, I didn’t get stuck once, and the support matches were spot on, it felt like the portal really understood what I needed.”

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Zainab applied to the Household Support Fund from Slough Borough Council and was awarded £250 in food and electricity vouchers - crucial support that helped cover the basic essentials.

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“That help came at just the right time. I was running out of options and the vouchers meant I could put food on the table and keep the lights on.”

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A clear path to support 

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Zainab’s situation is still challenging, as she balances raising four children alone on a limited income. But since being introduced to Lightning Reach through Slough Borough Council, she feels more confident about where to turn for support. 

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When asked what stood out most, her response was simple.

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“Just being able to get help when I need it.”

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Get help today

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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.