In a 2018, Turn2us conducted a survey of 2,000 people earning below the national income and it was found that 49% of them were living without a washing machine along with other basic appliances. For people living without home washing machines, it is 2561% more expensive to use a launderette and can lead to a number of different issues in peoples lives.
28-year-old Thomas, struggling with his confidence approached Citizens Advice Halton to get some support with food vouchers. After sitting down and speaking with him, Thomas shared that he had a mild form of cerebral palsy and due to not having a washing machine had to make regular trips to the laundrette with heavy bags which worsened his condition.
Being declined a disability bus pass also meant that he was spending much more money than he could afford on the journeys. The effects of living without basic appliances can go beyond financial capability and can start to risk physical and mental health. Looking further into the full impact of living without basic appliances, many people in the survey spoke about the issue of cleanliness and the stigma of having to wear unclean clothing. Frequent handwashing was also leaving a negative effect on people’s lives with overall poor hygiene being a catalyst for depression and anxiety.
Since joining Better Off Finance, Thomas has now been able to secure a washing machine in his home. “Now that I have a washing machine, I can see that my mental health & wellbeing has significantly improved”
Through 1-2-1 support and working through the programme with his keyworker Kerry, he began to work on his financial planning through budgeting and spending diaries and after reapplying for the disability bus pass was finally granted one for 5 years. He was also able to apply for warm home discount, a government scheme giving extra help to people struggling with energy bills and was awarded a £140 discount.
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| Thomas at Citizens Advice Halton |
Thomas now feels like he’s turning a corner through the encouragement of the project: “I am more in control of my bills, Kerry set out a monthly plan and contacted creditors to set dates up for payments when I was paid my PIP and universal credit.”
Thomas now has a full-time job and is continuing to progress himself: “The best thing about Better Off Finance is the trust I had in my Key Worker Kerry to feel comfortable and not judged. I’ve told my sister about the project and she’s now going to sign up for support too”
If you're struggling with living without basic household items and you need some help, get in touch with us and we'll show you how we can support you.
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 program jointly funded by The Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative
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