Cheryl (not real name) came to Living Keys Cherished Support Group after being referred there by her GP, as she was suffering from depression and anxiety after separating from her abusive husband of 12 years.

Cheryl came on a regular basis and enjoyed being with us. One day, she suddenly stopped coming. Living Keys staff phoned to check on her welfare: she was in absolute tears and advised us that she has been threatened with bailiffs. Her financial status was critical after her ex-husband had taken loans and credit cards out, using the marriage home address, and was no longer living there.

Cheryl is a nurse and normally works at the City Hospital, but this situation had taken a toll on her and she couldn’t function at work, so she went on sick leave. She continued to become more anxious as she was receiving calls, debt collectors at her door with threats of the bailiffs coming.

Cheryl started to close her curtains, so no one could see if she was home or not, she wouldn’t answer the phone, and remained at home, isolating herself from everyone... We had provided Foodbank vouchers and went to pick up the food for Cheryl and take it to her home. Also providing a one-off £50 voucher for fresh produce so she could cook a healthy meal.

Living Keys were setting up a Workshop on the Cost of Living Crisis, and had the opportunity of having CAP join us (Christians against Poverty). They were prepared to discuss the importance of budgeting money and talking about debt, and places where help could be obtained from local authorities.

Linda, from Living Keys, tried to contact Cheryl and ended up having to call to her through her letterbox. Cheryl opened the door and let Linda in, and Linda was able to give her the news and advised her to come, as they may be able to help her through her situation. Cheryl was very apprehensive and at first refused to go, but after gentle persuasion, she attended. She was picked up and taken home, as she was too frightened to leave her home.

Cheryl attended the workshop, and staff had a word with Micheal from CAP to ask if he could spend some time with her as she was in extreme need. Micheal was really lovely, he spent time with her and then arranged a further appointment on a 1-1 basis.

Cheryl was absolutely thrilled and called us to let us know that she has a Debt Management plan set up, some of the debts that her ex-husband had put in place were quashed. The loan company now has his address and reassured Cheryl that they would deal with her ex-husband directly. On her own credit cards, she was able to get the interest frozen and is now on her way to becoming debt free.

Cheryl is now back at work and attends Cherished. It is so lovely to see the “old bubbly Cheryl” back to being herself again. She still has a way to go, but is in a much happier place, where she feels confident to go to work. No more threatening phone calls or anyone knocking on her door. She is now hoping to be able to get time to be able to volunteer for Living Keys and to give something back.