A Brighter Future: Carrie's Story

When Carrie* approached Better Off Finance, she was at a difficult point in her life. Having suffered with anxiety and depression for a number of years, 26-year-old Carrie’s confidence and self-esteem had taken a beating; she was struggling to find a job, and had found that many of the organisations she had approached in the past were never quite the right fit for her. 

‘I was referred to Better Off Finance by the Jobcentre. I wasn’t very optimistic at first, I was at my lowest point and I didn’t think anything or anyone would be able to help me moving forward.’

Carrie isn’t alone: around 19.7% of people in the UK suffer with anxiety or depression according to the Mental Health Foundation, and it can have a debilitating effect on their lives. Feelings of hopelessness can impact relationships, work, and physical health, which creates what feels like an inescapable cycle. Coping with anxiety and depression makes it difficult for sufferers to deal with many things in life, and can mean small tasks sometimes seem completely overwhelming and impossible.

Battling through these feelings, Carrie agreed to meet with a Better Off Finance Key Worker. She was instantly reassured. Her Key Worker worked with Carrie to create a support package, focusing on improving her mental health and overcoming the barriers posed by her low self-esteem and confidence.

‘My advisor went above and beyond for me and was always on hand to support me through the difficult time I was having… I learned some simple breathing techniques to help me through difficult moments, and I was referred to several different organisations to help with my mental health.’

From there, Carrie and her Key Worker did lots of practical work around job searching and employability development. With support and encouragement from her Key Worker, as well as attending a self-esteem course, Carrie’s confidence began to blossom. She began to believe in herself and recognise the skills that she had, and began to apply for jobs that she would have previously felt were way out of her reach. Today, Carrie is employed full-time at a call centre for a law firm, something which she never could have imagined a few months ago.

‘I feel the support that I was given has made me a more rounded person and has made me believe in myself more. I am now able to contribute to the family financial pot and this has improved the family dynamic. I know now that I am capable person, and I have a lot of skills and qualities to offer any employer.’

For anyone considering getting in touch with Better Off Finance, Carrie’s wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it, giving special thanks to her Key Worker.

‘The best thing by far about the project was having that one-to-one support from my advisor. She always kept her promises and encouraged me on so many levels to achieve my aims and objectives. I know I still have a long way to go regarding my future career, but I feel now I have a good foundation in developing a happy life for me moving forward.’

About us:

Better Off Finance is offering residents of the Liverpool City Region who are currently unemployed (although don't have to be claiming benefits), a bespoke programme of support. 

This support will be provided at a local community venue or at home if a participant prefers.

Each participant will be linked up with their own key worker who will support them to:

Improve their financial capability through 1-2-1 support and group work

• Access employability sessions within the programme

• Access a Level 2 Accredited ‘Money Mentor’ opportunity

• Progress into training and education opportunities

• Prepare and progress into sustainable employment.

Please contact us via our Facebook or Twitter pages to make a referral or for further information.

Better Off Finance is a programme jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative.