Soraya's story
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Soraya was referred to the Lightning Reach portal by:
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A turning point during financial struggles: how Soraya found a wider support network
Sunderland, England
Soraya, a single mother and master’s student, has worked hard to build a better life. She is in the final stages of her master’s degree while raising her eight year old daughter on her own.
Now that her student finance payments have ended, Soraya is left without an income and is finding it increasingly difficult to afford even the basics. Despite months of job searching, she hasn’t been able to secure work. As the cost of living continues to rise, every expense, from groceries to gas and electricity, adds financial pressure.
“I’m being as savvy as I can be, but I can’t cover shopping and our energy costs. It’s all a struggle. I’ve got first class honours and I can’t get a job.”
Discovering a user-friendly experience
Soraya first heard about Lightning Reach through a text from the Fuel Bank Foundation, after being referred by the Keys Project for financial support. She shared that from the outset, she found the portal straightforward and easy to use.
“It was self-explanatory, and once I was on the portal and filling in the details, I was guided step-by-step.”
She was matched to a network of support that she hadn’t known was available to her, providing reassurance at a time of uncertainty.
“The matches were spot on. Navigating through what I was looking for was easy. It was exactly what I needed.”
Out of the numerous support schemes she was matched to, two organisations in particular, YES Energy and the National Energy Foundation, offer help with rising energy costs. She applied to both and is currently awaiting an outcome.
A clear path forward through a wider network of support
While Soraya awaits the outcome of her applications, she reflected on how valuable it was to have a wide network of support in one place. It meant she could find help for her immediate needs and return to explore other options if her circumstances changed.
“If it wasn’t for Lightning Reach, I wouldn’t have known about this kind of support. It highlighted different places that I didn’t know existed”
She also shared that using the portal led to a personal shift in how she viewed asking for help. The process made her feel more comfortable seeking support when she needed it.
“This experience has made me feel a bit more at ease thinking, yeah, it’s okay to ask for help.”
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.