I live alone in Leeds and previously worked in the insurance industry. I contacted the Charity at the end of 2024, after attending a support meeting at work during a period of restructuring and uncertainty.
At the time, redundancy was looming, and I was facing mounting personal and financial challenges. I honestly didn’t think I would be eligible for support, so when the Charity stepped in, I was both surprised and incredibly moved. Their kindness caught me off guard, in the best possible way.
Their support helped me bridge the gap between redundancy and securing a new role. They even sent me a Christmas hamper that year, something so unexpected and thoughtful that I cried when it arrived. It wasn’t just the contents; it was the gesture. It reminded me that I wasn’t invisible, and that someone cared. That moment stayed with me.
Sadly, I lost the new role I had secured, and before I even had to ask, the Charity reached out to check in and offer further support. That act of compassion meant everything.
Alongside these employment challenges, I’ve been managing long-standing health conditions and neurodivergent traits. These were already present when I first contacted the Charity, but at that time, I was still on a long surgical waiting list. I eventually underwent cubital tunnel decompression surgery in October 2025.
The combination of delayed surgery, ongoing health issues, and the collapse of my income left me unable to meet even basic needs. Without the Charity’s support, I genuinely don’t believe I would have survived that period, or the one I’m still navigating now. Their response was immediate, compassionate, and practical. They helped me stabilise my situation and gave me enough breathing space to begin rebuilding. I can’t overstate how much that meant.
I’m still struggling, but the Charity’s support has underpinned everything. It’s the reason I’ve been able to keep going, and I genuinely don’t know what I would have done without them.
I admit that I had reservations about contacting the Charity. I still find it hard to express how much their help has meant. As someone who is autistic and often masking, I tend to hide how much I’m struggling and feel embarrassed asking for help. That made it even harder to reach out initially. I’m still struggling to put into words how much their support has benefitted me, but it’s been life-changing. I’ve never felt judged, only supported.
I’d say to anyone thinking about applying for support, please don’t hesitate. I didn’t think I’d be eligible, and I nearly didn’t apply, but their help has made all the difference. The support is practical, discreet, and genuinely preserves your dignity at a time when everything else feels fragile. I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done. Although I’m not currently working in insurance, I’ve been genuinely touched by how much ongoing help they’ve offered me. It’s been practical, yes, but also deeply human.
*stock image used for confidentiality