Mergan's story: finding financial support during maternity leave as a single parent

Wrexham, Wales

E.ON Next customer, Mergan, received £1,275 from the Chemical Engineers' Benevolent Fund towards household bills and essential living costs

“With my pay significantly cut during maternity leave, it made a huge contribution, helping me focus on looking after my baby instead of worrying.”

Mergan, a chemical engineer and single mum from Wrexham, recently spoke to us about her journey to finding much needed financial help. Following a relationship breakdown during her pregnancy, she moved into temporary accommodation before securing a new home for herself and her newborn son. However, as she moved further into maternity leave, her income significantly decreased, putting a heavy strain on her finances as she tried to keep up with her mortgage and household bills, made harder by the cost of living crisis.

This financial pressure was compounded by postnatal mental health struggles and a home falling into disrepair. With a draughty front door, leaking gas hob, and damaged flooring, maintaining a safe, warm environment for her newborn became a constant source of worry.

“I was really worried because I had a newborn baby. With my pay cut, I didn’t know how I was going to cover the shortfall in my finances.”

Finding support for home repairs and bills

Looking for the right support for herself and her son, Mergan contacted Gingerbread, a charity for single parents, for guidance on her situation. They referred her to the Chemical Engineers Benevolent Fund, who provided a grant to cover essential home repairs, including fixing the draughty door, damaged flooring and an unsafe hob, while also funding mental health counselling. 

For help with ongoing living costs, Mergan was directed to the Lightning Reach portal to complete an application for further support from the Fund. Mergan’s energy company, E.ON Next, also signposts its customers to Lightning Reach. This helps increase the chances of people like Mergan, being connected to the financial support they need. 

She signed up and found the application process clear and user-friendly. Within just two weeks, the Fund awarded her £1,275 for essential living costs, including her mortgage payments and other household bills.

“It was pretty straightforward. All the questions were self-explanatory and I didn't have any complications.”

Comprehensive care for a fresh start

The support Mergan received from the Chemical Engineers Benevolent Fund provided essential home repairs, counselling, and support towards living costs when she needed it most. While the Fund first helped make her home safe and warm, the additional support she accessed through Lightning Reach helped her regain financial stability, bridging the gap created by her reduced maternity pay.

By covering her mortgage and energy bills, this grant helped Mergan to stay on top of these costs without the risk of falling into debt. This eased pressure on her finances, meaning she wasn't forced back to work before she was ready, allowing her to complete her maternity leave - vital time for recovering and bonding with her newborn son. With her finances secure, she could navigate this new chapter without the weight of financial worry. 

“I realised that being transparent with my situation was key. The more I explained, the more I realised I could actually get assistance. It’s just a matter of asking - don't hold back.”

Get help today

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.