My home of nearly nine years, mine and my children’s, my landlord decided he wanted to sell the house…[it] dampened spirits as to where I go from now.
Dave's story
When Dave had to move home unexpectedly, the Charity stepped in at a critical moment, helping cover the cost of moving and giving him and his children certainty for the future.
Facing Uncertainty
When Dave found out his landlord was selling the family home, everything changed overnight. After nearly nine years in the property, he was suddenly faced with the uncertainty of finding somewhere new for himself and his children to live.
Although Dave was able to secure another home, the reality of moving still felt overwhelming.
I was very sort of apprehensive about… finding a new home and actually getting myself to be there.
Finding support
Dave works as a civil servant and, like many colleagues, had come across the Charity through workplace fundraising and team challenges.
We often have colleagues that are aware of or raise money for the Charity for Civil Servants and we take part. Some of us take part in the Mega Miles as well.
But it was only when his own circumstances changed that he realised the full extent of the support available.
So, I was aware of this presence, but I wasn’t so much aware about the support that could be offered.
With encouragement from colleagues, Dave felt able to reach out. At a time when life felt uncertain, he found the Charity’s website clear and reassuring, helping him understand what support might be available and what he needed to do next.
The Charity for Civil Servants website was informative… it identified what I needed to do and sort of what help the Charity could and couldn’t help with.
For Dave, the process felt simple and well organised at a time when that really mattered.
The portal made such a difference… it was a well organised system, a well-oiled machine.
A practical difference
The Charity helped with the cost of removals, easing a major pressure at exactly the point Dave needed it most.
The Charity paid for the removals costs… and it just took the stress away from a very stressful situation.
That support meant Dave did not have to manage everything on his own while also caring for his children and trying to keep life moving forward.
When you’re trying to do it, it’s very stressful and it just made such a difference to be able to have a removals firm to be able to do it for me.
Moving forward with certainty
Most importantly, the support helped Dave and his children begin again with greater stability and peace of mind.
I was completely relieved at the support that was being offered… to begin new foundations with the children, with certainty.
Today, Dave says that relief is still with him.
I’ve got an assured [tenancy] on a new property and it’s just such relief.
Giving back
After experiencing the Charity’s support first-hand, Dave now donates each month so that others can access help when they need it.
Thank you for those that are able to donate… and I now donate myself and I make a contribution each month because it’s important.
He is also proud to keep taking part in Charity challenges with colleagues.
We do, we did last year. We’ll do it again next year. I’m a keen Walker. So, I walk miles. So, we definitely have a team competition going on.
If other colleagues are unsure about reaching out, Dave’s message is simple.
So don’t be frightened to speak out. Just go for it.
Some elements of this story have been anonymised or changed to protect the person’s identity.
Get involved
If you’re a civil servant facing a tough time – find out how we can help you.
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