“Lightning Reach is really good for directing you to all the right places. I am truly grateful for what they have done. [The award from TST] meant we could have a warm meal everyday and pack lunches for children for at least the next month!”

 

Unexpected loss of income leads to household financial challenges

 

Leah faced a significant setback when she lost her job as a teacher. This sudden change forced her household, including two children with additional needs and disabilities, to rely on a single income.

 

The financial strain was exacerbated by the escalating cost-of-living crisis. The single income was insufficient to meet growing expenses, particularly with more mouths to feed as the children grew older. Struggling to cover household bills and basic necessities, she resorted to using blankets to keep warm.

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Leah's circumstances illustrate the compounding challenges faced by many families navigating job losses, increased living costs, and additional caregiving responsibilities.

 

Breaking down stigmas

 

Leah initially set up a Lightning Reach account in 2022 after receiving an email from our support partners at Lambeth Council. Towards the end of 2023, prompted by another email, she revisited the platform, recognising her rising need for financial assistance due to evolving circumstances.

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Despite some prior experience seeking support, Leah's primary challenge was overcoming the emotional barriers associated with asking for help. Pride and stigma contributed to her hesitation, coupled with concerns about potential judgement from those on the other side of the application process.

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Discovering and applying for new support

 

Leah felt surprised and relieved at discovering there was support available to her specific to her circumstances:

 

“I was shocked, surprised and relieved; shocked at the amount of support options available and relieved to know that there are always support options out there. I would definitely say there are a lot of options I could use in the future if needed.”

 

Given Leah's experience in the teaching profession, she discovered a relevant match with the Teaching Staff Trust (TST), a Lightning Reach support partner. She went on to apply for assistance and used open banking technology to provide supporting evidence for her application.

 

“Connecting accounts was really easy, [it] is much easier than trying to print off a bunch of bank statements. There were not many challenges in completing the application; from experience it's just naturally tedious having to fill in all your own details when completing forms and applications but it didn't feel tedious doing it on the Lightning Reach portal.”

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Creating a warm and safe family home

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Leah received crucial assistance from TST, resulting in £750 in supermarket vouchers to help feed the household better and to free up more money for other bills.

 

“I am truly grateful for what they have done. [The vouchers] meant we could have a warm meal everyday and pack lunches for children for at least the next month!”

 

Leah's positive experience prompted her to suggest the portal to friends and family who might also benefit from seeking additional assistance. She elaborates on what she valued most in her Lightning Reach experience:

 

“Accessibility and ease of use, the fact that it is diverse, not just focused on one group or set of people, anyone can use it in a time of need. Without a doubt, it has helped me hugely so I will recommend it to my family in case they require additional support."