Crosslight’s Summer 2021 Newsletter
Crosslight is growing!
As national restrictions end and we emerge into a new, unknown chapter, Crosslight continues to grow and expand to make sure we can reach the most vulnerable in our communities experiencing financial difficulty. This year we have opened new branches in Balham, Swindon, and Ealing, and we will soon be adding further branches in Fulham and Hampton Wick to our growing network. We are delighted that all of our branches are now back to offering some face-to-face advice appointments, which will be transformative for so many. Throughout the last few months, we have also welcomed new staff members across areas such as training and development, specialist benefits advice, operations support, and general case management.
While our staff have acclimated to working remotely throughout the pandemic, we were fortunate enough to enjoy our first staff outing since lockdown eased. The day in June included a thought-provoking session on mental wellbeing followed by an afternoon at Hyde Park. Our staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances, going above and beyond to support all those who need our service.
Spotlight on branch fundraising
Hammersmith
As we enter a new season of growth and restoration, Crosslight Hammersmith is planning their Move4Change fundraising event which will take place on Saturday 11th September, and we would love you to be part of it.
Move4Change will be a fun family day out and there will be a photographic quiz to keep you entertained as you walk throughout Hammersmith, as well as a “Scavenger Hunt” for young people. The walk is approximately 10km and will take you alongside the Thames Pathway from Hammersmith to Chiswick Bridge and will end back at St Paul’s Church.
Our Hammersmith Branch is one of our larger centres and works in communities facing severe financial hardship. They supported over 300 individuals and families in the last year, providing holistic support when they needed it most.
That is why we are organising this event to raise funds for this vital work. Signing up for the Move4Change event is not only a great way to support people in financial hardship, but an excellent opportunity to invite your friends and family to hear more about our work, meet the team, and get involved. Sign up now to start making changes!
West Kent
And continuing the theme, we are excited that Paul, one of our dedicated supporters, is running the London Marathon on 3rd October in support of our vital debt advice services in West Kent.
Our West Kent branches operate from several locations throughout West Kent, supporting over 350 clients with debt and money advice each year. The need and demand is continuing to grow throughout the area. Please do check out Paul’s fundraising page and support his efforts to raise essential funds if you are able. Thank you Paul!
Meet Antonia, our new specialist Benefits Lead
Driven by the current crisis, Crosslight identified a vital need to build on our current provision related to specialist benefits advice. In April 2021, we welcomed Antonia, a specialist adviser to work alongside our debt case managers and assist clients with complex benefits issues, particularly with regard to appeals and tribunals.
Even prior to the COVID-19 crisis, nearly 40% of Crosslight clients lived in households in which no one is employed, solely reliant on benefits, and over 80% claim some form of benefits. As many of our clients also suffer with health issues, disabilities, and mental health problems, navigating a complex benefits system can present challenges. We caught up with Antonia to discuss her first few months with Crosslight and how she has been supporting clients so far.
What’s been your experience of working with Crosslight, our advisers, and our clients so far?
I love working here! The atmosphere is so positive, from staff to volunteers. Everyone wants to do so much for our clients, and they are constantly working to make everything better in a tough world. Crosslight really allows us to shine like a light for our clients.
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I started working as a volunteer for Citizens Advice 8 years ago. I loved helping clients - I got the bug from the start. At Citizens Advice, I worked my way up to being a Branch Manager. I am a qualified debt adviser as well as have experience in lots of other areas, which is useful since benefits issues cross nearly everything from housing, employment, and immigration. I came to Crosslight as I wanted to work in a growing organisation and be part of its exciting development.
What are some of the most common concerns you see amongst clients experiencing benefits issues?
I am shocked that so many people are being turned down for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) when they are clearly struggling to manage. I am currently supporting a client who is experiencing sudden sight loss, and he has been turned down for PIP. His assessment says he can manage on a daily basis, when he can’t so much as cook a hot meal without help! Additionally, it is common that people cannot find affordable housing and their benefits typically are not able to meet their rent and living costs.
What do you think having a specialist benefits provision will mean for our clients?
I have found that our clients have particularly complex situations and need a lot of support in many areas. They unfortunately have not been getting support from all the agencies they are involved with. Having specialist benefits support means we can help our clients get all the right income support they are entitled to quickly, and with the same level of care you can expect from Crosslight advisers. I think our advisers and volunteers feel better knowing that we have been able to really help our clients in-house and not had to refer them somewhere else.
Debt, parenting, and benefits issues: Diane's Story
Diane* is a single mother of three children, who first came to the UK seeking asylum. When her youngest son was two years old, he fell from a first-floor balcony, which resulted in long term physical and mental health problems. This was devastating for Diane and her family, and she has been his full-time carer ever since.
Over many years, Diane struggled to get by as a single mum caring for her children. She had to rely on credit and unfortunately has never been able to work due to her son’s care needs. With English not being her first language, she faced challenges understanding the complex benefits system which led to various overpayments over the years. She cumulatively built up nearly £20,000 in debt.
When Diane initially met with a Crosslight adviser, we supported her with her benefits and overpayment issues. Fortunately, her adviser was able to secure a backdated benefit awards totalling nearly £4k, as well as a recently granted Debt Relief Order (DRO)to clear her debts. Alongside the dedication of Crosslight advisers, Diane will soon be debt free. As part of our holistic approach to empower clients long-term, we equipped her with budgeting tools and an understanding of what she needs to pay each month, so she can avoid using credit. She already feels more confident about the future.
“I wanted to say thank you so much for all the help you've given me and my family. I can finally start over and I'm feeling very relieved about everything. Thank you Crosslight for all of your kindness.”
*client’s name has been changed
Thank you and keep in touch
As we emerge from pandemic restrictions and look ahead to summer and autumn, we want to thank you for all you have helped us achieve throughout such a challenging period. We simply could not have continued providing our holistic service throughout the multiple national lockdowns without our supporters and volunteers.
If you will be making a donation to support Crosslight’s vital work this summer, a very sincere thank you. We look forward to updating you on how your gift is making a difference throughout the rest of the year.