Poverty and disadvantage
In response to evidence of increased poverty and disadvantage amongst families in Calderdale, the Community Foundation for Calderdale funded Citizens Advice Calderdale to employ an additional full-time specialist caseworker to work with families with multiple needs, to maximise their income.
The caseworker worked intensively with 70 clients over one year and secured a total of £176,000 for these clients.
Sarah’s story provides an example of the impact made.
Sarah lives with her partner and a toddler. She suffered abuse as a child and young adult, lost a previous baby as a result, and has long-term mental health problems.
Her welfare benefits were restricted, and further claims refused.
Her caseworker helped her appeal, successfully. This led to a significant increase in family income – over £3,100 backdated, and at least £170 per week extra going forward.