"I now feel that life is no longer at an end and the problem I’m in is now more manageable."

Julianne* was juggling serious health issues as well as serious financial difficulties. This resulted in her mental health declining and seeking help from her doctor. Luckily, she saw a Crosslight flyer at her local Foodbank and spoke to the team there that day. She shares her experience…

I was very sick when I first started working with Crosslight. I had an issue with my heart and also my lungs which were making it difficult to do anything, even breathe. I was in a terrible state and was unable to work and haven’t been able to since January 2023. Even though I live on my own and wasn’t working, my husband died from cancer a few years ago, I was able to keep on top of my bills by using my savings for a couple of months. To try and keep afloat, I sold my jewelry as well and was able to keep on top of things until May. By then, however, I no longer had anything left to pay for my bills and had even lost my car as I couldn’t keep up with the payments.

During all of this, my health got worse, I had fluid in my lungs, and everything got even more difficult. Then creditors started hounding me through phone calls, letters and sending people to my house. I had to ignore them all as I had absolutely no way of paying what was owed. I would just lay on my bed or sofa and cover myself up, and all I could think was that I didn’t want to be here anymore. I used to be a very active person and could look after myself, but suddenly I struggled to walk and breathe and was in debt. I went to my GP and told him I didn’t want to be alive anymore, and to send me to a country where I could terminate my life. My GP was able to get me referred to therapists to help.

While I was going through my physical and mental health conditions, my financial situation continued to get worse. I had never been on benefits before, so had no idea how or what to apply for. My neighbour helped me to try and fill in a Universal Credit application, but it didn’t go well, and they got in touch. Their customer service team told me about my local Foodbank and provided me with 2 vouchers. However, he said that after the 2 vouchers, I needed to sort things out myself.

While I was in the queue at the Foodbank, I noticed a flyer for Crosslight and read through it. There were Crosslight people there on that day, so I went and spoke to them and was able to make an appointment for the following week. When I started to get help from Crosslight, we took things step by step. There were so many bills, and I really wasn’t coping well, so Crosslight were able to go through everyone one thing at a time. Crosslight stopped people knocking at my door and was able to speak with creditors on my behalf.

This really helped as it allowed me to focus on my health and I was able to have my heart operation. However, they found that alongside my heart and lungs, I also had an issue with my kidneys, so my health is an ongoing concern and battle.

My adviser was able to sort out the support I was entitled to, such as Universal Credit and PIP, which has enabled me to pay for my mortgage, heating and other bills. We worked through my monthly income and expenditure, and I have been able to get on top of things. I am by no means living like a millionaire, but I can now pay off my bills and not be in arrears. I’m even working with another organisation to see if I can find some sort of part-time work – this would not have been possible without Crosslight.

My adviser is always on hand to help, so I know I can always email him if I need something or am after some advice. My adviser is a volunteer, and he really is so perfect – I am so grateful to him for everything he has done for me. I am so thankful to the universe for bringing Crosslight to me. I would recommend Crosslight to everyone who is facing financial difficulties. Please go and speak to them as they are fantastic people and really do listen to you. I now feel that life is no longer at an end and the problem I’m in is now more manageable.