At the start of the COVID-19 crisis my daughter was stuck away from home and unable to return as the friend due to bring her back suddenly needed to self-isolate. She was so anxious and upset as she wanted to come home. I got a call, just checking in on me and told them the situation. They were able to provide the funds so that I could pay for the train fare for her return.
I am a nurse working within a care home and do not drive, so finding time and getting to the shops is always tricky. I was struggling to get baby milk for my 2-year-old and hadn’t been able to get out to even get Easter Eggs for my 4 children. Again, when they called to check in on me and I just mentioned this, Crea8ing Careers got it sorted and not only got me the baby food but also Easter Eggs so that the kids didn’t have to go without.
Unfortunately, I was unlucky and my microwave, tumble dryer and teenage daughter’s bed all broke at the same time. I was worried as to how I would cover the cost of replacing all these items as a single parent and finances are tricky. They have arranged for a bed through their community connections, bought me a microwave and helped me with sorting out a dryer.
I have been really worried working with COVID patients, some of our residents passing away and being high risk myself, that having them to talk to, getting information and reassurance has been a great support. Our weekly bingo nights with others that have done their courses, has been real fun and just helped to ease the sense of isolation when we are not able to get together with friends and just gives a brief sense of normality and relief from the anxiety in this crisis.
I had done a parenting course with them, as my son was having trouble in school and attends a special school locally. This gave me the skills to help support him through this difficult time. It was hard at first but then I got the hang of it and it has made all the difference. He is now doing much better at school, not getting into fights, helping at home and following family rules.
I have never really had any kind of emotional support and although it’s what they do, it feels more like an extended family and friendship. Knowing that I can just drop them a message whatever time of day or night, and they will get back to you immediately or as soon as possible. It just feels like there is someone there for you, no matter what. There is a sense of no judgement, either amongst their team or even with the other people from the courses. Sometimes, when people help you, it feels like they are judging you and it puts you off sharing your problems and hard to accept their support. There is none of that with these guys, it feels like someone really cares about you. I even got a little treat package when they knew I was feeling low about work pressures, which just made me feel better.
With this crisis, it has been a great help as there is always someone there, they keep us up to date on information and answer any questions that may come up. The whole group offers emotional support and has really helped keep me going. I am unable to do as many extra shifts as normal and having needed to self-isolate has all taken it’s toll on finances, so having some support with this too has been a blessed relief.
Having three teenage children and a toddler isn’t easy at the best of times, but particularly difficult with this crisis. Having their support just makes the difference.
