"The greatest support during my time of need"
Becky's story
Becky, a chartered surveyor in her 20s from London, found herself without a job when the coronavirus pandemic hit.
She got in touch with LionHeart in April 2020, in the unfortunate position of having left one job but due to start a new one a few weeks later in May.
Unfortunately, her new company then withdrew the offer of employment, leaving her ineligible for any of the government's furlough support, and without any income at all until her jobseekers' allowance and universal credit benefits started to come through several weeks later.
We were able to authorise a monthly financial grant very quickly and, along with regular telephone support from a LionHeart support officer, we also referred Becky to our legal helpline for some initial advice on employment contract law.
Struggling mentally with her situation through lockdown and feeling really anxious about her future, Becky accepted a course of counselling with LionHeart. As she began to look for new job opportunities, she also had some sessions with one of our external employment partners, who helped her revamp her CV and prepare to enter the jobs market at an uncertain time.
Becky said: "LionHeart has been the greatest support during my time of need. The counselling service was outstanding, especially during the lockdown period. In addition, the financial aid given to me helped me with my living expenses while I was looking for work."
Less than six months later, Becky finally started a new surveying job and was back in the workplace looking forward to a more secure future.
*Name changed to protect privacy. Picture posed by model
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