“I think I was the happiest woman in the world because I had my business and it was running amazingly.”
This July, Clean Slate, home to Quids in!, celebrates 20 years of helping people become better off. To celebrate, Readers Club is handing the pages over to the people at the heart of our work. These are real stories from peers, clients and colleagues who found hope, practical support and the confidence to regain control.
For 20 years, Rossella worked in the beauty industry. Seven years ago, she became her own boss as a self-employed nail technician, travelling to clients for manicures and pedicures.
Then everything changed. Her vertigo got worse, making it harder and harder to work.
“The first few years I didn’t understand what was going on in my body, because it’s coming suddenly one day to another. There were a few years where I couldn’t do anything.”
Rossella had to let go of the business she loved and focus on her health. Still, she tried to keep moving forward, applying for jobs and starting a course in International Business Development.
“I’m 40 years old, my life changed completely, and I need to rebuild myself.”
Then her partner lost his job. With rent, food and travel costs piling up, and Universal Credit complicated by Rossella’s student loan, the couple were left with no clear answers.
“We knew that I could cover three months for rent, food and taking public transportation to go shopping or go to job interviews. We didn’t have any answers, so it was quite a tricky situation.”
Rossella knew of a nearby community centre and was put in touch with Clean Slate and her money coach, Sandra. (Read Sandra’s story here.)
“Since the first call, we felt a big release. Whatever we needed, any question we had, she had the answer and knew what to look for.”
In just three weeks, Sandra helped Rossella access food vouchers, apply for Universal Credit and disability support, and boost her household income by £26,266 for the year.
She also helped Rossella find training through Pret a Manger’s Rising Star Programme.
“I am especially grateful for the opportunity Sandra has given me to start working after a long time. This opportunity means so much to me, not only professionally but also personally. It has given me confidence, motivation and hope for the future.”
Rossella is still rebuilding. But now she is not doing it alone.
Need to get the basics steady first? Before we can think about work, we may need to know the rent is covered, food is on the table and the bills are not getting away from us. Quids in!’s benefits calculator can help us check whether we are missing support we could be entitled to.
Once the basics feel more secure, the Quids in! work page has advice on looking for work, getting prepared and taking the next step when we are ready.
Image: Stefanut Sava’s Images
