a council tenant, with two children was avoiding using hot water due to concerns about affording oil. She was managing on a very tight budget, determined to avoid debt, and relied on her car to get to work. She received £400 support and information about the Crisis Fund for future emergencies, such as heating costs or essential car repairs as she had no additional income available.

took in her young niece and nephew for several weeks to prevent them entering foster care. The children had experienced trauma and some damage was caused to household furniture. Already under financial pressure, the family could not afford replacements, adding further emotional and financial strain. The CaRF fund helped hugely.

was awarded support for a new washing machine after hers was damaged during a move from temporary accommodation. Grace had been using the launderette as she had no savings or spare income to replace it, and the ongoing cost of washing clothes outside the home was becoming unaffordable

has severe mental health difficulties and received support for a replacement fridge-freezer after the household appliance failed. Without a working fridge, the family could not store food and was forced to shop daily despite struggling to leave the house. At times, they went without eating because they were unable to go out.

awaiting spinal surgery was awarded support for a bed. He had been sleeping on a futon mattress on the floor because he could not afford a replacement, and his health condition meant he was unable to manage