After leaving the Royal Air Force, Carlos and his family faced a difficult transition as they settled into life together in the UK. Having exhausted their savings while moving between temporary accommodation, they were eventually housed through Bristol City Council and later secured a permanent home through Sovereign Network Group. However, with limited income and rising household costs, affording everyday essentials and utility bills became a significant challenge.
After being signposted to Lightning Reach by both the Royal British Legion and OVO, Carlos accessed support from multiple organisations through the platform. He received £500 in vouchers for food, clothing and essentials from the Royal British Legion, £150 towards his energy bill and a heated blanket from OVO, and was matched to a reduced water tariff through Thames Water.
The vouchers helped fill their home with essentials, while the energy and water bill support made everyday costs more manageable and reduced the fear of falling behind on payments. Knowing his family could stay warm, fed and comfortable, Carlos was able to turn his attention to finding work and building a more stable future.
" I wouldn't have known about any of this if it wasn't for Lightning Reach."
Carlos
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