The lives you’ve changed… Steven’s story

School Intervention Manager Steven experienced domestic violence and financial problems during a very difficult year. Our grants team was able to support with spiralling bills and to provide food for his children, whilst he got back on track.

Steven said: “I work as an Intervention Manager in alternative provision at a school in North Lincolnshire. Sometimes, it’s the best job in the world. Being able to see young people achieve things when they’ve been written-off by everyone is amazing. I love how it keeps me young too.”

“Outside of work my marriage ended a while ago, and I began a new relationship with a woman who said she couldn’t have children. I have two sons and didn’t want any more children so this was fine with me. But not long afterwards, my new partner told me she was pregnant, and that she would no longer be able to work. The bills and debt began to pile up along with the expense, pressure and stress of a new baby arriving. I was on the verge of taking time off work because of the stress. I like to do things by myself, I didn’t want to ask for help.”

“I spoke to my Deputy Head. She suggested I apply to Education Support for a grant to help cover my bills, and I was awarded £300. The grant really helped to get my finances back on an even keel, but unfortunately my new partner became violent towards me and I had to ask her to leave. I had to protect my children. When she left, she took the money that I’d put aside. So I was back to square one and I didn’t know what to do.”

“I needed food for my boys and fuel to drive to work. The bills kept coming and I just couldn’t afford them. When there’s only one of you, even a decent wage doesn’t always cover everything. I wrote to Education Support again and explained the position I was in. They told me they wanted to help and gave me a gift in kind for food for £350.”

“It was just such a huge relief when the grant came through. It got me back on track. I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for the help I got.”

“Previously, I’d stuck my head in the sand. Now, after all of this, I’ve learnt to ask for help. I want my boys to see that it’s alright not to be alright, and it’s ok to ask for help. The kids at school know what I’ve been through too - I think it’s important to talk about these things and to be honest that bad things can happen to anyone. It’s how you deal with things that matters.”

“It’s comforting to know that there is help out there from Education

Support for people like me. For any fellow teachers out there who are struggling, or anyone who thinks that because they’re in a ‘good job’ there’s no help out there for you, I’d say just do it, just get in touch with Education Support. Some people think that if you’re in a ‘good job’ you shouldn’t need help. If you’re proud, don’t worry, it’s all private, and if you don’t ask, you don’t get. The help can make a huge difference.”

If you or anyone you know might need financial assistance, please visit educationsupport.org.uk/grants