It was work, kids, home, finance… everything.
Jane's story
"Everyone I spoke to has been so, so lovely… it was very non-judgemental."
When everything felt overwhelming, support was there when it mattered most
When Jane, a civil servant from Manchester, reached out to the Charity for Civil Servants, she was dealing with challenges on every front.
Her teenage children were struggling with anxiety following a traumatic experience. At the same time, her own health wasn’t great, pressures at work were building, and finances were becoming difficult to manage.
It was a really tough time.
I think the best way to say it is… what wasn’t [going on].
Although she had seen emails from the Charity before, she had never expected to need support herself but at her lowest point, something made her pause.
I just thought, do you know what, I’ll just try… I’ve got nothing to lose.
Support that made a difference
The Charity provided practical and emotional support at the moment it was needed.
When Jane was struggling to afford counselling for her son, the Charity stepped in.
I opened the email… I absolutely burst into tears.
It had just come at a really, really good time.
Alongside financial help, Jane was also supported with her own wellbeing.
Everyone I spoke to has been so, so lovely.
It was very non-judgemental.
What made the biggest difference was feeling truly heard.
She just really understood.
I felt that she really got what I was saying.
She didn’t say, you need to do this… she just absolutely listened.
Moving forward with confidence
With the Charity’s support, Jane began to feel more in control.
I’m a lot better. Loads better.
While life hasn’t stood still, she now feels better able to manage it.
I’ve still got all the problems going on… but I’m in a better place to manage them.
“You’ve got nothing to lose.”
Looking back, Jane knows how difficult it can be to take that first step.
It’s the most difficult thing – to reach out.
Her advice to others is simple:
You’ve got nothing to lose. They might be able to help, they might not… but unless you try, you don’t know.
We’re here to provide an umbrella of support; financial, practical and emotional – so no civil servant has to face life’s challenges alone.
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.
Support people like Jane by making a single or regular donation, leaving a gift in your Will or by fundraising for us. With you alongside us, we can do even more to support civil servants.
