Leicester, England

“It was a very hard process for me finding support, there was a big change in my life. Mentally I couldn't cope, I wasn’t in a good place. The help from PA Housing and this portal has been a godsend because I wouldn't have found any of this support.”

Health issues and cost of living crisis led to financial challenges 

Rashmita had to leave her job due to arthritis after 35 years of service in her local council. Her health condition, including back and wrist issues, continued to worsen, impacting her ability to work and affecting her daily life. Despite the difficulties, and with the advice of her local Citizens Advice, she refrained from cashing in her pension immediately and relied on savings to pay bills.

As the cost of living crisis gradually took its toll on her savings, with soaring energy and food bills, and after her washing machine broke down, Rashmita felt at a loss and uninformed about the suitable support available for her current circumstances..

Seeking help from local housing association guides the way

As Rashmita had always worked previously, she had never been in the position to look for support.She was at a loss as to whom to reach out to and where to find it. She went on to seek help from her housing association, PA Housing (Lightning Reach support partner). 

“I had always worked so I didn't really know what support was out there. The team at PA Housing went through my circumstances and benefits to check I was receiving all that I was entitled to which really helped. It was a really good experience dealing with them.”

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The encounter with the team at PA Housing was pivotal for Rashmita as they directed her to the Lightning Reach portal for further support.

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“It was a very hard process for me finding support; there was a big change in my life, I couldn't cope; I wasn’t in a good place. The help from PA Housing and this portal has been a godsend because I wouldn't have found any of this support.”

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Discovering and applying for new support

Rashmita went on to set up her profile on the Lightning Reach portal and was matched with support tailored to her current circumstances. She describes how she initially felt when discovering the variety of support options available to her:

“I felt really happy! Before that I felt really lost; I didn't know where to go or look. From what I could see everything was clear and simple, I discovered support I had never seen before.”

Due to Rashmita’s mental wellbeing at times, she finds completing forms and applications online overwhelming and occasionally enlists the help of one of her sons. However, the ease of the Lightning Reach portal gave her independence, as she was able to apply for the Support Funding scheme by PA Housing on her own.

“I would give [the application process] 5 stars! It was really good,quick and straightforward. Despite my mental state, I felt this was manageable.”

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Timely support makes a big difference

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Rashmita successfully received a new washing machine from PA Housing  valued at over £200 This had a significant and timely impact on her household.

“The response time was amazing, it was so fast. Everything happened in a week and a half. I have never known anything to happen so quickly. It’s been huge for me as the washing machine wasn't working; it has made a big difference!”

Rashmita now feels comforted knowing that there are other sources of support options available for her if and when she needs them in the future. After such a positive experience, she elaborates on what she valued most in her Lightning Reach experience: 

“I'm very satisfied as I have had positive results from the portal. Without that,I would not know anything else that I would be entitled to. I can follow the steps and it's clear, unlike Google where you are not sure what all the things are. I haven't come across anything as fast as this, it’s been a super positive experience. It has made such a difference not being frustrated when no one is helping. The help I have received from PA Housing and Lightning Reach has been a godsend.”