Overnight my household increased from two to six people. My nieces and nephews have complex medical conditions and as a single parent with health problems myself, I already found it very challenging just to afford the basics in life. So, when my cooker and washing machine broke, I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t know what to do. I had no idea where I was going to find the money to get new ones.
Nina's story
When Nina’s sister passed away, Nina was given custody to her four children. As a single parent herself, she was completely overwhelmed but felt determined to make her nieces and nephews feel safe and loved.
Content warning* some of the content in this story talks about suicide, which some readers may find emotionally challenging. Reader’s discretion is advised.
Nina’s sister, Steph, had taken her own life. Steph had been struggling with alcohol dependency and mental health issues for a long time, and the family had done all they could to help her. As they tried to accept their new reality, Nina’s small home welcomed four new members.
That’s when Nina turned to her very own charity, a lifelong community of serving, former and retired civil servants who will always have her back when times get tough.
A friend suggested I reach out to the Charity for Civil Servants and I’m so glad I did. From the first point of contact, I felt understood and supported. It was amazing to have them in my corner supporting me.
After a supportive conversation with our help team, we found that we could pay towards a new washing machine and cooker, enabling Nina to care for herself, her son and her nieces and nephews who are still navigating life without a parent.
The support from the Charity has had a huge impact on my family, I’m able to cook healthy, nutritious meals for the kids and no longer need to go to the laundrette every other day…
…Having someone who listens to you and truly understands how your problems are impacting you, is a gift I can never repay. I don’t know what I would have done without the Charity’s help.
Some elements of this story have been anonymised or changed to protect the person’s identity.
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