Esme’s story

Esme, 61, is as a support worker for Real Life Options and has been a care worker since 2012. Prior to the position at Real Life Options, however, Esme went through a rough patch in her life, when she was forced to sell her house after being made redundant and out of work for a year. The move from her home to rented accommodation was tough on Esme, and the process left her without many basic items she had previously been able to rely upon. Left with effectively just the bare minimum in her new accommodation, most of which was loaned by her daughter, a member of Esme’s church helped her apply to the Care Worker’s Charity for assistance. As part of the application, Esme visited Ikea, and for just over £1,000 she was able to find a quote for a mattress, wardrobe, two chests of drawers, a two-seater sofa, table and chairs, TV stand and TV. The member of her church who supported the application confirmed Esme had next to nothing in her flat and it would make a real difference to her life if someone was able to help. So often in life it is the little things that can make a big difference, and given Esme’s changed circumstances we are delighted to be able to help replace some of the creature comforts that at 61 she no doubt deserves.

How did you get involved with The Care Workers Charity?

I was in touch with the charity ‘Turn to us’ and they told me because I am a carer and I had just got my own place and I had no funds to furnish it, to contact the Care Workers Charity and ask for a grant.

What were your first impressions and how did you feel when you first came to the charity?

I was greatly relieved to know that there was such a charity to help care workers, as I find it really hard to manage on a low salary. I have found the people I have been in contact with very helpful and gracious.

Has your life improved and do you feel you have got to a better place by receiving support?

I had a new flat but it had no creature comforts and by the CWC, it enabled me to buy some very necessary items of furniture which has made a huge difference to my life. I look forward to going home now and relaxing in my flat after a hard day’s work.

Where would you be if you hadn’t received support?

Life would have been much harder for me without this support and I would probably be suffering with depression.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I feel more confident about the future now and more positive to reach my goals just by the very kindness and wonderful generosity of this charity. I am very grateful!

What advice would you give to someone who was looking for similar support?

I would encourage them that they can get the help that they need and that their life will get better.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

I would like to say a big thank you to the CWC and to all the people who make it possible to give the help that I have received. I feel wonderfully blessed by the association with The Care Workers Charity!