Nathan's story
Through the Lightning Reach portal Darren received support from:
Through the Lightning Reach portal Darren received support from:
Through the Lightning Reach portal Candi received support from:
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​Through the Lightning Reach portal Lily received support from:

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​Through the Lightning Reach portal Nathan received support from:

Nathan's Story
Leicester, England
“This support gave me my life back. It gave me hope.”
From struggles to a fresh start
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Nathan moved to Leicester to rebuild his life after overcoming addiction. Staying in a hostel was a stepping stone, but he needed stability to move forward.
“Everything I had was gone,” Nathan reflects. “I was starting from scratch, and every day felt like climbing a mountain.”
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Through Lightning Reach partner, PA Housing, he secured a home of his own. Moving in marked a fresh start, but independent living came with challenges. Rising costs meant he had to be frugal, carefully managing rent, food, and energy bills. “I think you do need to be very, very careful with your money in order to just get similar results than you did a few years ago,” he explains.
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Without a fridge-freezer or cooker, he was limited in what he could buy and eat. “I spent from the 20th of December till about the 14th of January having sandwiches and cups of tea,” he recalls. With no washing machine too, laundrette trips added to his expenses.
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Determined to take control of his future, Nathan sought extra support to move forward. He began exploring what help was available, taking proactive steps to improve his situation.
Discovering support through Lightning Reach
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Nathan reached out to PA Housing, who referred him to Lightning Reach. A portal which connects people to personalised support based on their circumstances.
At first, he was unsure about applying for support, but the user-friendly interface quickly reassured him.
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“It was simple, clear, and didn’t feel overwhelming – even for someone who’s not great with tech,” he shares.
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Within days, he was awarded a fridge-freezer, washing machine, and cooker from PA Housing, ensuring he could properly store food, cook meals, and manage his laundry.
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A tangible impact and looking to the future
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“These appliances changed everything,” Nathan explains. “Now, I can cook real meals, wash my clothes. I feel like I’m building a proper life again.”
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Now that his home is equipped with essentials, Nathan is focused on his next steps. He is preparing to start a new job – a steady role that will give him financial security and allow him to work towards supporting and reconnecting with his family, an important part of his long-term recovery.
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For Nathan, the help from PA Housing and Lightning Reach was about more than just financial support. “This support gave me my life back. It gave me hope,” he reflects.
Sharing his experience with others
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Nathan is deeply grateful for the help he received and feels inspired to give back. “I’ve met people who are struggling, and I want them to know about this support. I’ll be telling people about Lightning Reach – it’s a lifeline.”
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Nathan’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of accessible support. Thanks to PA Housing and Lightning Reach, he’s no longer just surviving - he’s thriving.
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“It wasn’t just about financial support - it made me feel valued.”
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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.