The lives you’ve changed – Bernard’s story

The lives you’ve changed…

Bernard’s story

Bernard lives in South London with his wife who is an ICU nurse, and two sons. A secondary school maths teacher, he began supply teaching over a year ago when family circumstances made it difficult for him to work full-time at school.

During the coronavirus lockdown, Bernard’s wife was working long shifts in hospital whilst he cared for and home-schooled their children.

Bernard said: “I was about to start working in a new permanent role which I was looking forward to starting after the Easter break.”

However, school closures as a result of coronavirus stopped him being able to take up the role, which meant he had no income for as long as the crisis continued. He added: “It was so difficult. I was not entitled to be furloughed

as I was employed by my agency on a daily rate.”

We were able to help Bernard and his family with a grant to cover their council tax and service charge for three months. Bernard said: “I didn’t know about Education Support until I found you online. I was so happy that I did. I am really, really grateful for the help you have been able to give us during this time. I hope to get a permanent job as soon as I can again but in the meantime, this has really made a difference to us. Thank you.”

If you’re working or have ever worked in education and are struggling financially, we may be able to help you. For information about our grants, visit educationsupport.org.uk/helping-you/apply-grant or call 020 7697 2772 to speak to the grants team.

I didn’t know about Education Support until I found you online. I was so happy that I did. I am really, really grateful for the help you have been able to give us during this time.