Mrs W lost her husband under incredibly traumatic circumstances and her applications for bereavement benefit and social funding were declined. Thankfully she was able to receive a grant from us to cover the funeral costs. This had an immediate effect in improving Mrs W’s quality of life, as well has her family’s.
Losing a loved one or a spouse is an incredibly traumatic experience – but when the circumstances involve murder, the effect on a family can be devastating. These were the circumstances Mrs W – who has worked for a carers group for many years – and her family faced when her husband was attacked. After the subsequent funeral costs came back higher than expected and applications for bereavement benefit and social funding were rejected, Mrs W found herself left with two children and bills she could not afford to pay. We worked closely with Mr W’s case worker to find the way we could best support her.
Mr W tells us her story.
At first I was not very hopeful as although I knew my circumstances were very traumatic, I was unsure if The Care Workers Charity (CWC) would be able to offer my family and I any assistance. I had not even heard of the charity before my case worker kindly informed me that CWC may be able to help alleviate some of my pain.
I was very surprised when I received positive news from my case worker at Handsworth Carers Group. My life has improved a lot as I am no longer having anxiety about my late husband’s funeral debt which was having a serious impact on my state of mind. This was an additional stress to the devastating and life-changing event that has had a huge impact on all of us since last year. Although my daughters are still very much traumatised by their father’s death, the grant we were awarded has given them hope that support is available if you know where to look. The support from CWC was excellent and has enabled me to now focus on my children and together, we are slowly build our lives back.
Time is a healer
If it wasn’t for the CWC I honestly don’t know what would have happened to my family and I as we were not only suffering mentally and physically, but we had very limited support and I would say that my mental health would have got worse. The support and reassurance from the service has been second to none and I appreciate the kind consideration to award my family with a grant which has been life changing for all of us.
The support and reassurance from the service has been second to none and I appreciate the kind consideration to award my family with a grant which has been life changing for all of us. I now see that charities can and do help families in need.
How we can help you
Our confidential grants service is here to help you on your rainy day by preventing you from facing financial hardship alone.
If you have worked in the care sector and are experiencing financial hardship brought upon by an unexpected or sudden drop in income, ill health, injury, bereavement, change in living circumstance or a relationship breakdown then we may be able to offer you support.
Please visit our grants page to find out more and apply.