"I was under so much pressure before working with my adviser, I was so stressed. I was shutting down. But when I started working with her, things got better."

Mafaz* first spoke with Crosslight at a Foodbank drop-in session. Having lost his job during the pandemic, and suffering with his mental health, Mafaz was struggling financially and was living in a hostel. He’d also had his mobile phone stolen which was causing him real difficulties. In his own words, Mafaz shares his story... 

I came across Crosslight when I went to the foodbank and was able to speak to a debt adviser at the drop in. Straightaway she gave me an appointment to come back and talk to her in more detail. 

My debt adviser filled out all the [benefit] applications for me; she’s done a lot for me. I couldn’t believe it. I got an extra £248 a month, which was amazing. She was also able to get me a [mobile phone] sim card that gave me free use for 6 months which has helped me a lot.  

She then helped me with PIP [disability benefit application], which was such a big deal for me because I couldn’t fill it out myself as I suffer with my mental health.  

At one point during my journey with Crosslight, I disappeared for 2 months because I had too much pressure and was struggling with my mental health. During this time, I got a message from her every 7-10 days checking in on me. She continued to offer me help, including food vouchers, so I was always supported. 

At this time my PIP application was rejected, so I went back to my adviser, and she helped me to submit a [tribunal] appeal. She helped me fill out the huge form and will support me throughout all of it. This will now be the 3rd time trying to sort PIP out after they lost my first application.  

I was under so much pressure before working with my adviser, I was so stressed. I was shutting down. But when I started working with her and solving things, things got better. I was attending appointments every week for 3 and a half months. I was never told ‘no’ by her, which really helped as I was really struggling in the beginning.  

Everything changed for me when I met [Crosslight]. Right now, I’m feeling good. There are some things to do but it is so much better now. My debt adviser is just wonderful, what she has done for me I can never repay her. 

*Name has been changed to protect identity.