Claire has never had a stable home. She was in and out of care throughout her childhood and sadly became estranged from her parents when she was just 14.
When she turned 18, without her knowledge, Claire’s mother took out a credit cards and pay-day loans in her name leaving her to pay off the debt. This had a huge effect on her credit score, and without a guarantor, left her unable to meet the affordability criteria required to be able to rent a home.
With no fixed address, Claire was sofa surfing with family and friends for a long time and when she tried living in a house share, she was let down again, this time, by her friend’s chaotic lifestyle which resulted in the landlord terminating their tenancy.
Without her own home, Claire couldn’t cook for herself which made access to a healthy and inexpensive diet impossible. All she wanted was a place of her own.
Fortunately for Claire, she joined the business products industry in 2023 working in customer services for a large manufacturer and despite significant barriers, she has thrived in the company building a career she can be really proud of.
With help from her human resources manager, she was encouraged to apply to the BOSS Business Supplies Charity (BBSC) for support.
The BBSC has helped Claire to find a home near her workplace and support network and provided a grant for the deposit. The Charity is also supporting her by providing a monthly grant to ease the transition into independent living and help her clear her debts. This has also given her the financial stability needed to meet tenancy criteria.
“It took a lot to put my pride to one side and accept the help being offered, but I couldn’t be more grateful,” Claire shared. “This is the first time someone has thrown me a lifeline to help me get my life back on track and a head start into the future.”
Claire’s courage to ask for help and the support she receives means she is now looking forward to living independently. She continues to excel in her role and can now look forward to the future with confidence.
This story is a powerful reminder of how compassion, practical support, and a strong workplace community can really make a difference.
If you know someone in our industry who needs our help, let them know about us at www.bosscharity.org
*We’ve changed Claire’s name to preserve her anonymity.