Case Studies

Stephen’s Story*

“A grant from Recourse meant I could focus on my sick daughter, rather than worry about the bills.”

“I’m a lecturer. My five-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with a rare, malignant brain tumour. She needs chemotherapy every two week for 18 months and spends three days in hospital recovering from the treatment. My wife and I have been missing so much work, that we had to cut our working hours. There has been less money coming in, but there are more and more bills. I’m so worried about my daughter, but it is hard to be there for her, when I’m worrying about money too.”

Stephen decided to call Recourse.

When Stephen called Recourse, his call was answered by a trained coach who encouraged Stephen to talk about his financial problems in order to find a positive and practical solution.

• The coach discussed the options available to Stephen and provided an emotional outlet which enabled him to talk openly about his worries
• The coach offered Stephen the opportunity to talk to a Recourse money advisor, who could offer financial assistance and support
• The money advisor discovered that Stephen was eligible for Disability Living Allowance, Carers’ Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
• Recourse also offered Stephen a grant, which provided a new washing machine, clothes for his daughter, bedding and funds for utility bills

Stephen said he was thrilled at the end of his coaching session. The Recourse grant and other benefits eased his money stress almost immediately and gave the family a huge boost in income after they decreased their working hours. The emotional support Stephen received gave him the chance to think clearly about his problems and allowed him to talk freely without feeling he was burdening the listener.

Stephen has since accepted the offer from Recourse to have ongoing counselling sessions. He is now fully aware of the service the charity provides and says he is thrilled he has a place to turn to if he should need support, help or advice again.

*Stephen’s name has been changed to protect anonymity.

Janet’s Story*

“I could barely leave the house until I spoke to Recourse”

“I am a 35 year old lecturer and have 13 years’ experience at a Further Education college. I have been signed off sick with stress from work, but feel so guilty that I rarely even leave the house. I don’t want to go back to work, because I’m scared that nothing has changed and there will still be the same problems with workload, the way things are organised and issues with colleagues. I tried talking to my manager, but he didn’t listen.”

Janet decided to call Recourse.

When Janet called Recourse, her call was answered by a trained coach, who encouraged her to open up about her problems and helped her to decide the best way to tackle her anxiety.

• The coach listened to Janet and asked whether she had spoken to anyone at work about how she was feeling
• The coach encouraged Janet to write down how she is feeling in order to try to get things in perspective and to make a plan as to what she would like to do next
• the coach also advised Janet to concentrate on her health and wellbeing and assured her that she shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving the house or to go horse riding, which Janet said she enjoyed, because it can ease stress and speed up the return to work process

At the end of the coaching session, Janet said she was feeling reassured and appreciated being able to talk these things through with the coach. She agreed that writing down her problems would help and said she now had the confidence to leave the house and take up her hobby of horse riding again.

Janet was made aware of the 24/7 service that Recourse offered. She agreed that long-term coaching sessions may be beneficial and stated that she would not hesitate to contact the charity again if her situation did not improve.

*Janet’s name has been changed to protect anonymity

Peter’s Story*

“I was concerned about my colleague’s wellbeing, so I called Recourse.”

“I am a UCU representative and I was concerned about the wellbeing of my colleague Sarah, who is facing emotional and financial difficulties following the breakdown of her marriage. Sarah is 55 and a lecturer for the Law Department at my university. She has taught for 20 years, but is unable to work at the moment as she is the sole carer for her five children. I wanted to know how I could best help her.”

Peter decided to call Recourse.

Peter’s call was answered by a trained coach who acknowledged how difficult the situation must be for Sarah and confirmed how the service may be able to assist her.

• The coach explained in detail the full extent of the service including coaching, counselling, money advice and grants.
• The advisor confirmed that Sarah fits the criteria for a grant and offered to forward a grant application form which can be processed urgently due to Sarah not having enough money for food.
• The advisor also discussed the counselling and coaching service and suggested Sarah contact the service to discuss the best suitable support. As the service is available 24/7 Sarah would be able to contact late in the evening when the children are in bed.

Peter told Sarah about the support available and Sarah contacted the Support Line. After talking with the coach, Sarah said she felt much calmer and more in control. Sarah described Recourse as a ‘lifeline to a sinking ship’ as it helped to change her perspective and motivate her to take action and not sink into depression. Sarah arranged five extra coaching sessions and said she felt more confident when dealing with her home and work life.

Sarah was awarded a grant to help with her initial expenses and was offered further financial assistance for priority mortgage and utility payments. With the coaching service assistance, Sarah decided to reduce her work hours to spend more time with her children, receiving additional funding for child care via tax credits as advised by the money advisor.

*Peter and Sarah’s names have been changed to protect anonymity

If you are caseworker and want to know when to refer your members download our new guide to Recourse. If you are having emotional or financial difficulties you can call our confidential Support Line on 0808 802 03 04.