I’ve been in nursing all my working life but unfortunately, I injured my back while lifting a patient. I managed to find other work in the profession for several years but a car accident in 2003 finally put an end to my career.
After I was told I would no longer be able to do the job I loved, I was devastated. I couldn’t take it in at first. I’ve never stopped believing that I will be able to work again one day.
When I was a district nurse I encouraged people to apply for state benefits or to company benevolent funds. Most people were hesitant. Finding myself in that position I really understood how difficult it must have been for them.
I tried the Department of Work and Pensions first. I was getting just £80 a week and really needed help with the heating bills. They couldn’t help me because I was under 60.
Next I contacted my old union - the Royal College of Nursing and applied for a Disability Living Allowance. They said my injury wasn’t bad enough and turned me down.
I appealed and that was horrendous. It was like appearing in court. I found it a very humiliating, patronising experience. I lost and was told to apply again if my problem got worse. Needless to say, I haven’t.
You begin to think there is no way out which doesn’t help your frame of mind. Then I read a small article in the local paper about Elizabeth Finn. It gave some facts and figures about how many professional people in the North East were living in poverty. It made me feel I wasn’t the only one and that maybe I could get help after all.
I thought ‘all I can do is apply. If they turn me down, I’ve lost nothing. If they accept me: then great’.
As soon as I got the application form and saw how easy it was I felt lots better. A volunteer interviewed me at home and a short time later I was told I had been accepted. I felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
The response was extremely quick and efficient. Everyone I dealt with was so understanding and supportive. Whenever I spoke to anyone from Elizabeth Finn, I felt they know all abut my situation. It always made me feel so much better.
If ever they can’t help they will always suggest another route or an organisation that might be able to help.
When I was trying to get help from other sources it took weeks to get a response to phone calls. I’d be told that forms were in the post but they never arrived. I would always have to call several times before I got them. Response from Elizabeth Finn is immediate. Cheques arrive within a couple of days.
I can’t tell you good it feels just knowing help is available. The regular allowance has made such a difference to my life. Although EFC didn’t pay my heating bills, my monthly grant meant they were no longer insurmountable.
I also got help with my car and household insurance. If I had a crisis, like repairs to the house, I knew I could turn to EFC for help. It’s such a comfort knowing there is someone looking out for you.
It hasn’t been easy. I’ve suffered from depression because of my back problem and it’s a terrible thing. You have to try to be positive and get on with your life. Elizabeth Finn Care has really helped me pull through. I was so much happier knowing money ws coming in each month. Having my car taxed and insured was a real lifeline because, without it, I couldn’t go out as I can’t walk any great distance.
If you are unsure about applying, just give it a go. At least call and speak to someone.
My circumstances have now changed for the better, but I’m not too proud to talk about the help EFC gave me. They made such a difference to my life when I needed them and I’m grateful to them for that.
