Money Advice Service keeps Chloe fighting fit

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment

When Anita Lewis’s washing machine broke on Christmas Eve she was at the end of her tether. 

The mum-of-three fromNewcastledepends on the appliance to keep her 13-year-old daughter Chloe healthy, as her severe health conditions lead to a mountain of washing on a daily basis. 

But with an even bigger mountain of bills to pay, and with her husband Barry struggling to find work following redundancy, buying a new machine seemed impossible. Until Staffordshire Housing Association’s Money Advice Service stepped in. 

Anita said: “I am a full time carer for Chloe, as she is registered blind, has learning difficulties and has renal failure with incontinence due to the drugs she needs to treat her heart condition. She actually needs a heart transplant. 

“At one point we were travelling every day to Birmingham Children’s Hospital as Chloe was critical and had to have a heart operation and we didn’t think she would make it through, but I was also panicking about the bills as the electricity alone was £400 a quarter. It was ridiculous. I just couldn’t cope anymore.” 

SHA Money Advisors Jacqui Willett and Mick Brownsword, worked with the family to secure them more than £2,000 worth of grants and an ongoing payment of £150 per quarter – more than enough to get a new washing machine! 

Anita adds: “We are so grateful for all the help and support they have given us – I really can’t thank them enough. 

“They have been fantastic. Jacqui came round and sat down and explained everything, she met Chloe and now we consider her a family friend. 

“ I feel like a massive weight has been taken from my shoulders – they have taken the pressure off and I feel I can cope again, so now I can stop worrying about money and concentrate on keeping Chloe well.” 

Staffordshire Housing Association offers the money advice service free of charge to its residents.  This can help them deal with debt, check that residents are getting the benefits they are entitled to, help with getting the best utility deals and help with budgeting.

ENDS 

For media enquiries contact Sandra Barber at Staffordshire Housing Association on 01782 744533.  

Notes to Editors: 

Staffordshire Housing Group is committed to building a better future for local communities.  The group’s  parent organisation, Staffordshire Housing Association, has around 3,000 homes for rent and sale, including three older people’s villages, and offers a range of tenant services. Revival Home Improvement Agency works with older and vulnerable home owners to help them stay warm, secure and independent in well-maintained homes.BlueMountainHousing Association works closely with refugees to provide essential support and help with access to healthcare, education, training and employment.  Since April 2012, Hanley-based charity Arch has been part of the group. Arch provides accommodation and support services to people in need, including survivors of domestic violence, ex-offenders and young people leaving care. 

For more information please visit www.staffshousing.org.uk.