“I was pregnant, and was thrown out of the house.”

Leah* shares what happened when she fell pregnant with her first child, and the financial crisis that ensued. Crosslight were able to step in when referred by the local council.

I met the Crosslight team when I was going through extremely difficult times. When my very unwell mother-in-law (who my husband is a carer for) found out I was pregnant, she told me to leave her house in two days. I was not prepared for such a reaction, so I had to go to the council and tell them that I had nowhere to live. The council offered me accommodation, but the rent was much too high compared to the income I had. I was struggling to pay my rent, after being moved 3 times into different temporary accommodation, and the council told me there was nothing more they could do.

I was also struggling to pay my utility bills as they kept going up. My monthly income wasn’t enough to cover these bills, and with a baby on the way and my husband living with and caring for his sick mother, I was on my own. The longer I couldn’t cover all my monthly bills, the bigger the debt became. Therefore, I was referred to Crosslight by a housing officer at the council. 

Since I got in touch with Crosslight, my financial situation has started to improve. They took my concerns and helped me resolve them step by step with professionalism, compassion and care.  

The Crosslight team guided me step by step in applying for the benefits for which my daughter and I were eligible. They acted on my behalf in the relationship with the council and other institutions, Crosslight helped me get rid of my debt with a DRO [a form of insolvency], and apply for a council tax discount as well as for electricity, water and gas bills support. This meant a huge emotional and mental liberation for me, because these worries were pressing on my shoulders like a huge weight. I worried every day thinking how I would manage to solve them all and at the same time prepare for the baby that was coming. The DRO was amazing, it was such a huge help for me and my family. Because I was being supported, I was slowly able to get the things I needed for my baby, as I was due to give birth. Crosslight were helping me to manage all my income and outgoings. I don’t have the words to say thank you to the Crosslight team and my debt adviser. All this came as a blessing considering that the only help I have in this country is my husband and no one else.  

I am now much more settled in my financial situation and feel much better, more confident and comfortable. Things are getting better and better. I can now say I am having such a better time in my life as I have a new house and my beautiful daughter with me. 

Crosslight have also invited me to the Women’s group at the branch I received help from, which I am really looking forward to attending. It was so amazing that the council recommended me to Crosslight. I just didn’t know what to do, I lost hope and was desperate. Slowly, step by step, Crosslight did so many amazing things to help me. I feel so relieved. I had really tried to pay off the debt that was growing, but it was so difficult and too much for me. When the DRO got approved, it felt as though a heavy stone had been removed from my shoulders. 

The Crosslight team acted like family, helping me get through that critical time in my life. I have no words to thank them for all the good they have done for me. But I can also share with others the wonderful experience I had and the gratitude I have for the amazing people who work for Crosslight. 

*Names have been changed