Anjie's story: securing a double glazing grant to stay warm during a health crisis

Through Lightning Reach, Anjie received:

• A £2,500 grant from a teaching charity towards new double glazing

• A warmer, healthier home environment to support her recovery

“When you feel that there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, there is. I’m living proof it can happen.”

Anjie, a former teaching assistant and nanny, has always prided herself on her independence. However, when a long-standing autoimmune condition worsened, her life changed drastically. The illness took a toll on her mobility and brought on a debilitating 'brain fog,' leaving her unable to continue working.

With no income, the financial pressure of household bills began to mount. Her energy bills were mostly affected due to her home having old, single-glazed windows that were so drafty she described the temperature as "living outside inside." Often forced to wear a coat and blankets indoors just to stay warm, the cold had already contributed to a hospitalisation the previous year due to her health issues. Anjie was left in a position where she was fearful for her health and unable to see a way forward.

Securing a grant for double glazing

Anjie came across Lightning Reach while searching for financial help online. She found the portal simple to use and was quickly matched to a teaching charity based on her background in education.

The experience was supportive from start to finish. During the application process, Anjie had to pause as her health worsened. Rather than letting her slip through the cracks, the team at the teaching charity proactively reached out to check in and see if she needed any support. This human kindness gave her the confidence to take the next step and provide them with the extra information to support her application. 

Through the portal, she successfully secured a £2,500 grant to fund double glazing throughout her home, replacing the drafty single-glazed windows. 

“I gave up so many times and thought 'no one is going to help me.' But when they reached out, it gave me the strength to push forward.”

A warmer, more energy-efficient home

Since the windows were installed, the impact has been life-changing. Anjie’s home is finally warm, which has improved her physical health. She is coughing less, breathing easier, and no longer needs to wear a coat indoors.

The new windows have also had a positive ffect on her energy costs. By retaining heat more effectively, the home requires less central heating, allowing Anjie to stabilise her ongoing bills and look ahead with greater financial confidence. Beyond the financial relief, the support has restored her hope, proving that even after a long, challenging period, things can change for the better.

“I’m not coughing as much and I can breathe easier. I used to sit in a coat; now I’m cheerfully sitting in my dressing gown. It has changed my life. It’s like the sun has come out.”

Get help today

Could you or someone you know use a helping hand building up your financial resilience? Create your account today at www.lightningreach.org/application-portal to see what you're eligible for.