A day at Charity Link

“I’m one of five caseworkers here at Charity Link and it’s our job to assess our referrals to decide how best we can help each client.

Today, my day starts with a case from a tenancy support worker on behalf of a young man who has been homeless for the past two years and is moving into his first independent tenancy today. Thankfully I can use our local funds to immediately provide him with a bed from our supplier and a voucher for bedding and kitchen utensils. I also submit an application to two national charities for a cooker and fridge freezer.

My next case is from a social worker requesting help for a child being bullied at school because her uniform is threadbare and outgrown. Charity Link is able to supply vouchers for a number of school uniform suppliers throughout the county so I pop some in the post with our best wishes.

I next receive a number of emergency applications. These are all for clients who have no income at all and we quickly allocate food vouchers and top up utility pre-payment cards.

The daily post arrives and brings with it cheques from the Electrical Industries Charity, Footwear Friends and Hospitality Action. These are all occupational related charities responding to applications I have submitted for clients in need of a variety of essential household items. Orders are then placed for the goods with our suppliers who will arrange delivery within the next few days.

The next application I pick up is for a lady in her 40s who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. She is in desperate need of a specialist wheelchair but cannot afford the £7,000 cost. I spend the afternoon identifying the local and national charities that may be willing to help and submit applications to ten of them requesting contributions. I have established contacts with most of these organisations over the years and I telephone them to discuss the case. Donations will also be made from three of our in-house funds that have been set up to assist people in need of disability equipment.

It’s been a busy but rewarding day and I’m looking forward to helping more people in need tomorrow.”

Rachel Gascoigne, Caseworker at Charity Link

Success stories

Robin was trying to start again
Robin had been through a difficult time and had just been discharged from a Mental Health Unit. He had just moved into his new home. Robin had lost all his belongings, was vulnerable and desperately trying to cope. We helped immediately and bought a bed and cooker so Robin can start rebuilding his life.
Sarah was struggling with Multiple Sclerosis
Sarah was diagnosed with MS, she was a single mum and now unable to work. Her home had been adapted to create a bedroom and bathroom downstairs. The rooms were unfurnished and Sarah couldn’t afford the items. We helped and bought Sarah a new bed and carpets. This has meant the world to her.
Molly and her mum were forced to sleep on the settee
Molly and her mum were in desperate need. Their home was infested with mice, damp and mould. The mould had spread to their beds forcing them to sleep on the settee each night. Molly’s mum has no means to buy new beds. So we bought two beds, just £240 made a difference.
Lily just wanted to stay in her own home
At 94 Lily’s health had deteriorated, she could no longer manage the stairs at home, was sleeping downstairs and used a commode. To stay at home she needed a stair lift, but Lily survived on a state pension. We helped immediately and purchased a stair lift so Lily can stay at home independently.
David and his daughters just wanted to start again
David gained custody of his children when their mother neglected them. He found a home but it was unfurnished. David had recently lost his job and he simply couldn’t afford the items needed. We helped immediately and provided the family with beds, a cooker, clothing and household goods. The family can now be together.
Reema was alone
Reema, 17, left home due to abuse. Now living at a hostel she continued with school, but only had thin summer clothes, no coat and worn sandals during winter. Saving up to buy new things meant going without food. We helped immediately to provide new clothes and supported Reema through The Alderman Newton’s Educational Foundation.
Every night Stacey had to sleep on the floor
Margaret has been looking after Stacey, her grandaughter, since Stacey's mum died after giving birth. Margaret is disabled and the family survive on disability and child benefits. Stacey's bed was broken so she was sleeping on the floor. Margaret couldn't afford to buy a new one. So we did, just £165 made a difference.
David was homeless
David was homeless sleeping in a church crypt during winter, he had no income and had not eaten for 3 days. We acted immediately and gave David food vouchers. We provided a bond on a rented property, funds for a suit and arranged for work experience. Just £210 got David off the street and back into work.
Rina and Zach were scared
Rina and Zach managed to escape domestic violence. Rina had been unable to go to work because of her injuries and was trying to survive on statutory sick pay. They had found a safe place but had no furniture, beds, cooker or any household goods. We acted immediately and purchased the items that they desperately needed.
Shelley's Story
Shelley lives with cerebral palsy and although severely disabled she lives independently. Her deteriorating health meant that she urgently needed a specialist eye-controlled communication computer and specialist wheelchair. Neither of these items could be provided by the NHS. We raised over £20,000 to purchase the equipment Shelley needed.