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Alan's story
Alan is a former beneficiary of Elizabeth Finn Care
“I've been in nursing all my working life. Some years ago, I injured my back while lifting a patient, but I was able to find other work in the profession for several years. However, in 2003 a car accident finally put an end to my career.
“After I was told I would no longer be able to do the job I loved, I was devastated. I couldn't take it in at first. I've never stopped believing that I will be able to work in nursing again one day.”
Asking for help isn't easy
“As a district nurse, I encouraged people who were struggling to apply for state benefits or to company benevolent funds. Most people were hesitant. When I found myself in that position, I finally understood how difficult it must have been for them.
“At this stage, I was getting just £80 a week and really needed help with the heating bills. I tried to apply for help from the Department of Work and Pensions. They couldn't help me because I was under 60 years old.
“Next, I contacted my old union - the Royal College of Nursing - and applied for a Disability Living Allowance. They said my injury wasn't bad enough and turned me down.
“I appealed - that was horrendous. It was like appearing in court. I found it a very humiliating, patronising experience. I lost and was told to apply again if my problem got worse. Needless to say, I haven't."
“At this stage, I was getting just £80 a week and really needed help with the heating bills. I tried to apply for help from the Department of Work and Pensions. They couldn't help me because I was under 60 years old.
“Next, I contacted my old union - the Royal College of Nursing - and applied for a Disability Living Allowance. They said my injury wasn't bad enough and turned me down.
“I appealed - that was horrendous. It was like appearing in court. I found it a very humiliating, patronising experience. I lost and was told to apply again if my problem got worse. Needless to say, I haven't."
Light at the end of the tunnel
“You begin to think there is no way out, which doesn't help your frame of mind.
“One day, I came across a small article in the local paper about Elizabeth Finn Care. I remember that the article gave some facts and figures about how many professional people in the North East were living in poverty. It made me realise that I wasn't the only one in my situation, and that maybe I could get help after all.
“I thought: “all I can do is apply. If they turn me down, I've lost nothing. If they accept me, then great”.
“As soon as I got the application form and saw how easy it was, I felt a lot better. A volunteer visitor came to visit me at home, and a short time later I was told that I had been accepted. I felt as though a weight had been lifted from my shoulders."
“One day, I came across a small article in the local paper about Elizabeth Finn Care. I remember that the article gave some facts and figures about how many professional people in the North East were living in poverty. It made me realise that I wasn't the only one in my situation, and that maybe I could get help after all.
“I thought: “all I can do is apply. If they turn me down, I've lost nothing. If they accept me, then great”.
“As soon as I got the application form and saw how easy it was, I felt a lot better. A volunteer visitor came to visit me at home, and a short time later I was told that I had been accepted. I felt as though a weight had been lifted from my shoulders."
Quick, efficient and caring support
“The response was extremely quick and efficient. Everyone I dealt with was so understanding and supportive. Whenever I spoke to anyone from Elizabeth Finn Care, I felt as if they knew all about my situation. It always made me feel so much better.
“I found that whenever Elizabeth Finn Care couldn’t help, they would always suggest another route or an organisation that might be able to help me. It reinforced how committed they are to helping you.
“When I was trying to get help from other sources it took weeks to get a response. I'd be told that forms were in the post but they would never arrive. I would always have to call several times before I got any response. Response from Elizabeth Finn Care is immediate. Cheques arrive within a couple of days."
“I found that whenever Elizabeth Finn Care couldn’t help, they would always suggest another route or an organisation that might be able to help me. It reinforced how committed they are to helping you.
“When I was trying to get help from other sources it took weeks to get a response. I'd be told that forms were in the post but they would never arrive. I would always have to call several times before I got any response. Response from Elizabeth Finn Care is immediate. Cheques arrive within a couple of days."
The comfort of knowing bills can be paid
“I can't tell you good it feels just knowing help is available. Elizabeth Finn Care couldn’t pay my heating bills, but with their help, they were no longer insurmountable.
“I got help with my car and household insurance. If I had a crisis, like repairs to the house, I knew I could turn to Elizabeth Finn Care for help. It's such a comfort knowing there is someone looking out for you.
“It hasn't been easy. I've suffered from depression because of my back problem and it's a terrible thing. You have to try to be positive and get on with your life. Elizabeth Finn Care has really helped me pull through. I was so much happier knowing money was coming in after applying to them. Having my car taxed and insured was a real lifeline because, without it, I couldn't go out, as I can't walk any great distance.
“If you are unsure about applying, just give it a go. At least call and speak to someone.
“My circumstances have now changed for the better, but I'm not too proud to talk about the help that Elizabeth Finn Care gave me. They made such a difference to my life when I needed them most, and I'm grateful to them for that."
“I got help with my car and household insurance. If I had a crisis, like repairs to the house, I knew I could turn to Elizabeth Finn Care for help. It's such a comfort knowing there is someone looking out for you.
“It hasn't been easy. I've suffered from depression because of my back problem and it's a terrible thing. You have to try to be positive and get on with your life. Elizabeth Finn Care has really helped me pull through. I was so much happier knowing money was coming in after applying to them. Having my car taxed and insured was a real lifeline because, without it, I couldn't go out, as I can't walk any great distance.
“If you are unsure about applying, just give it a go. At least call and speak to someone.
“My circumstances have now changed for the better, but I'm not too proud to talk about the help that Elizabeth Finn Care gave me. They made such a difference to my life when I needed them most, and I'm grateful to them for that."
Cathy’s Story
Cathy has been a beneficiary of Elizabeth Finn Care since January 2000
“When I was diagnosed with Goitres in 2000, I didn't realise how dramatically it would change my life.
“My doctor told me that my only option to relieve the Goitres was a Thyroidectomy (removal of some or all of the thyroid). Five days after the operation, I began to suffer breathing difficulties and was re-admitted to hospital. At no point had I been warned that this was a possible side effect of the operation.
“Initially, the problem was diagnosed as Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease, or COAD (an inflammatory condition of the lungs). Eight months later, the condition had worsened, and I was forced to leave my job.
“I felt totally at a loss. At this stage, I was unaware that I had a condition that would disable me for the rest of my life. The only thing I knew was that I was totally devoid of energy, and it was getting worse by the day.
“Losing my job meant my income was significantly reduced. On top of this, I lost my home. Physically and emotionally, I was at rock bottom and I developed depression.
“It took a further three and a half years to get my condition correctly diagnosed as Hyperparathyroidism. It was only then that the full impact hit me: I was disabled for life."
“My doctor told me that my only option to relieve the Goitres was a Thyroidectomy (removal of some or all of the thyroid). Five days after the operation, I began to suffer breathing difficulties and was re-admitted to hospital. At no point had I been warned that this was a possible side effect of the operation.
“Initially, the problem was diagnosed as Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease, or COAD (an inflammatory condition of the lungs). Eight months later, the condition had worsened, and I was forced to leave my job.
“I felt totally at a loss. At this stage, I was unaware that I had a condition that would disable me for the rest of my life. The only thing I knew was that I was totally devoid of energy, and it was getting worse by the day.
“Losing my job meant my income was significantly reduced. On top of this, I lost my home. Physically and emotionally, I was at rock bottom and I developed depression.
“It took a further three and a half years to get my condition correctly diagnosed as Hyperparathyroidism. It was only then that the full impact hit me: I was disabled for life."
Struggling on alone
“I was struggling with piling debt, but I kept swimming as hard as I could without asking for help from the State.
“I was only 36 and my career was important to me. I was scared that if I didn’t work, I might never get back on my feet. So, I began volunteering part-time at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
“I am so grateful for this job, because it was at the Citizens Advice Bureau that a colleague showed me an article about Elizabeth Finn Care in the local newspaper.
“The article explained that Elizabeth Finn Care was a charity that gave financial help to ex-professionals who were unable to work. It struck a chord with me immediately.
“At this time, my self esteem was at its lowest - I felt worthless. My first thought was: “they won't want to help me. I've got no chance”. But I did my utmost to subdue these feelings; I knew I had nothing to lose, and contacted Elizabeth Finn Care."
Treated with professionalism, care and respect
“From the outset, I knew I was dealing with a very organised, sensitive and supportive organisation.
“The professionalism of Elizabeth Finn Care, quite frankly, blew me away. The speed of their response to my enquiry was phenomenal, as was every other stage of the process. Everyone involved with my case was on the ball and quick to get back to me.
“Elizabeth Finn Care has moved me in many ways. My caseworker is a lovely, warm person, and has become the "face" of Elizabeth Finn Care for me.
“I always go through a huge internal battle whenever I have to ask for any sort of assistance, but my caseworker always replies to my requests with warmth and humility, which restores my dignity.
“Elizabeth Finn Care have saved me from drowning in debt because, until I was diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism, I wasn't eligible for Disability Living Allowance. I can now manage my finances better.
“Elizabeth Finn Care has restored my self esteem and confidence. For me, Elizabeth Finn Care has been so much more than an organisation that helps financially. I feel as though Elizabeth Finn Care has helped to heal a wounded soul."
“The professionalism of Elizabeth Finn Care, quite frankly, blew me away. The speed of their response to my enquiry was phenomenal, as was every other stage of the process. Everyone involved with my case was on the ball and quick to get back to me.
“Elizabeth Finn Care has moved me in many ways. My caseworker is a lovely, warm person, and has become the "face" of Elizabeth Finn Care for me.
“I always go through a huge internal battle whenever I have to ask for any sort of assistance, but my caseworker always replies to my requests with warmth and humility, which restores my dignity.
“Elizabeth Finn Care have saved me from drowning in debt because, until I was diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism, I wasn't eligible for Disability Living Allowance. I can now manage my finances better.
“Elizabeth Finn Care has restored my self esteem and confidence. For me, Elizabeth Finn Care has been so much more than an organisation that helps financially. I feel as though Elizabeth Finn Care has helped to heal a wounded soul."
Put pride to one side and apply
“If you are reading this, and you are in a similar situation, I would encourage you to apply for help from Elizabeth Finn Care. Just put your pride to one side and take a chance on getting help from this wonderful organisation.
“Elizabeth Finn Care saved my life - it could help save yours. There is no dignity in doing it all on your own: only more struggle and pain. Pride won't ward off debt collectors or buy you the nutritious food you need to stay well. Nor will it feed your children or your animals.
“You might feel that you should be able to cope, but hard times and disasters happen to all of us regardless of who we are.
“Elizabeth Finn Care saved my life - it could help save yours. There is no dignity in doing it all on your own: only more struggle and pain. Pride won't ward off debt collectors or buy you the nutritious food you need to stay well. Nor will it feed your children or your animals.
“You might feel that you should be able to cope, but hard times and disasters happen to all of us regardless of who we are.
“My advice is just go for it and apply - you've got nothing to lose, and everything to gain."