Curo customer Brigid Nolan (pictured) describes how Andrea Wyithe, Money and New Customer Advisor, helped to transform her finances.
Brigid says: “I’m so grateful to Andrea. I’m 65 years old and I’ve had a hard life, with a lot of health issues. I was struggling with my rent and had fallen into arrears, when Andrea contacted me to see if she could help.
“We made an appointment for Andrea to visit me at home to talk about my finances. Together we went through my income and outgoings. We looked at the benefits I might be missing out on and how I could minimise my debt.
“My income is quite good, but I’d started to buy things online and it had all got out of hand. My health issues make it hard to leave the house and I’d started spending because I felt so isolated.
“My online spending meant I’d stopped paying my water bill and had built up a debt of £1,167. Andrea called Wessex Water and arranged a repayment plan of £20 a week, which will clear the debt in 24 months. It’s a weight off my mind.
Getting free support
“I had thought that I wasn’t entitled to Housing Benefit, but Andrea found out that, in fact, I was eligible for a small amount and helped me to apply. It was only £1.23 a week, but it means that I’m eligible for free support from Curo’s Livewell service. Andrea referred me and a Livewell Officer now visits regularly. They help me with paperwork, including applying for a Blue Badge disabled parking permit. I also now qualify for help with my dogs’ bills from pet charity PDSA.
“I was receiving the standard Personal Independent Payment rate, but Andrea helped me to apply for the higher rate. I now receive this, boosting my income. We’ve also set up a direct debit to pay my rent and my rent arrears. We’ve discussed budgeting, so I know how much I’m paying for different bills and when they are paid.
New flooring
“While she was visiting, Andrea noticed that my carpet was in poor condition. It had been like that for many years as I couldn’t afford to replace it. Andrea applied for a grant. This meant I could pay for the carpet in the front room, bedroom and hallway to be replaced with beautiful vinyl flooring. With two dogs at home, this is much easier for me to keep clean and up together. The new flooring has transformed my home. It’s so much nicer and makes having visitors a pleasure.
“Andrea also told Curo about my bathroom flooring. It was damaged and water went underneath it every time I had a shower, leading to mould. This is now been replaced by Curo.
“It’s a godsend that Andrea has managed my finances. I’ve told her that I’ve never felt so supported in my life. It makes me feel so good that someone cared enough to help me.
“I can’t thank Curo enough for making my life better!”
Supporting customers
Andrea says: “It was an absolute pleasure to help Brigid to improve her life. When she told me it was the first time she’d felt so supported I was overwhelmed.
“The Money Advice service takes a holistic approach to improving our customers’ finances. I’m a great believer that you have to look at the whole picture if you want to make an impact. When you’re in the middle of a problem, you can’t see your way out of it.
“I love my job as I get to make a real difference to people’s lives. It’s amazing when you help someone and you can see the weight lift off their shoulders.”
Do you need money advice?
Our Money Advice colleagues are ready to share their knowledge and expertise with you. Please contact us either by phone on 01225 366000, or by email: customeraccountshelp@curo-group.co.uk. We really want to help.