Across London, stories like Jenny’s often remain unseen, hidden behind closed doors and complex circumstances. At Rooted Finance, we encounter individuals facing a myriad of interconnected challenges that extend far beyond just financial hardship. Jenny’s case highlights the profound impact of domestic violence, exacerbated health issues, and precarious housing situation on an individual’s financial stability. Her journey through our debt advice services and holistic support system demonstrates how a multi-faceted approach, addressing immediate needs alongside long-term solutions, can empower someone to navigate overwhelming debt and begin to rebuild their life.

Jenny, is a 29-year-old Portuguese national with Indefinite Leave to Remain. She is a single mother to a 5-year-old child and is registered unemployed. Currently residing in temporary accommodation in London due to fleeing domestic violence. Jenny also experiences multiple mental and physical health issues which was exacerbated by her domestic violence situation. Jenny is in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit and Child Benefit. She come to us emotional and overwhelmed by her financial situation.

We supported Jenny through

Debt Management

• Support with Fuel and food poverty – where we offered fuel and food bank vouchers addressed immediate needs, ensuring Jenny and her child’s have basic essentials. 
• Completed a Standard Financial statement and reviewed her outgoing and looked at way to maximisation her income – ensuring Jenny is receiving all eligible benefits. 
• The frontline debt advisor discussed with Jenny, the solutions and strategies including debt write off, moratorium, charities grants and negotiation with creditors by debt adviser which helped her understand her options and look at prioritising essential payments to avoid further hardship. 

Energy Efficiency Savings and housing support

• Advice was provided on potential savings through Uswitch, enabling Jenny to explore more affordable energy tariffs.  
• A referral for specialist housing advice was made to address Jenny’s precarious housing situation in temporary accommodation. This aims to secure stable and safe long-term housing. 

Holistic Approach to advice

• Long-Term Housing Solution: Securing stable and safe housing is paramount for Jenny and her young child’s well-being. The specialist housing advice referral is critical. 
• Financial Stability: Our continued support with debt management, budgeting, and income maximisation is essential to prevent future financial crises. 
• Mental Health Support: The trauma of domestic violence and the stress of her current situation likely have significant impacts on Jenny’s mental health. Having ongoing support from mental health professionals was vital and sharing additional avenues of wellbeing support proved beneficial.
• Cultural Sensitivity: As a Portuguese national, we ensured culturally sensitive support and access to interpreters was available 

Jenny’s debt, totalling £8035.18, was successfully written off. This alleviated significant financial pressure. 

Jenny’s case demonstrates the challenges faced by individuals fleeing domestic violence and navigating complex social and economic systems. A multi-faceted approach, addressing her housing, financial, health, and employment needs, was essential to empower her to rebuild her life and provide a stable future for her child.  

*The client’s name has been changed for confidentiality*