A woman was referred to us by a local Early Years service as she was preparing to separate from her abusive partner and needed support with her housing application and Universal Credit claim.
We made initial contact by phone and arranged a safe, in-person appointment at her local library, a warm, neutral space within walking distance from her home after the school drop-off. To reduce stress and delays, we asked her to bring all relevant paperwork so we could complete her applications accurately.
Our trained volunteer shared her photo via WhatsApp beforehand so the client would feel reassured and know who to look out for.
The support required two separate one-hour appointments over two weeks to ensure her housing register application and Universal Credit claim were completed correctly.
Within a few weeks:
- She was successfully registered on the housing register.
- Her Universal Credit claim was active.
- We supported her to prepare for her Universal Credit interview.
- We advocated on her behalf to pause work-search requirements due to her circumstances.
This pause gave her vital breathing space to stabilise her situation and plan safely.
Eight months later, she was offered a suitable home and was able to leave the perpetrator safely with her children.
This intervention provided not just practical assistance, but time, dignity and safety, enabling her to rebuild her life on her own terms.
