Anna’s story: help with bills over the pandemic

I am an experienced Primary school teacher. I live by myself and began supply teaching early last year which gave me flexibility to take care of my Mum at home as she had Alzheimers. My Mum died last April and I continued supply teaching with a view to securing a permanent role again from this September. Since schools closed everything has changed.

It’s a real worry. I’ve applied for Universal Credit but am waiting for it to go through. It was impossible to get through to anyone to talk to. The umbrella agency I was employed through haven’t furloughed anyone yet as they said the government guidance wasn’t clear. I’ve been able to get a mortgage holiday but I just need to get through the next few weeks with all the other bills.

Education Support was able to help with a grant of £470 to cover my council tax and utility bills.

I found you online. It’s a weight off my mind and has given me a bit more security when we don’t know what’s going to happen. It means I can concentrate on other things and focus on applying for a permanent job hopefully starting in September.

*Grant recipient’s name has been changed.