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A Wirral mum who was previously struggling financially as a single mum is now training to help others obtain support through a Family Hub service.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Emma was a single parent at the time, caring for her autistic daughter. She couldn't work due to her daughter not being able to cope with attending breakfast and after-school clubs. She needed to be able to collect her daughter if issues occurred at school, which made working difficult and caused financial difficulties.
Emma applied for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) after a while, although she was hesitant to do so. She eventually reached out for help and made contact with Joanne from Citizens Advice and their Seacombe Family Hub.
Emma told the publication: "There is a bit of a stigma around DLA, created by some people who think you are taking advantage of the system. Honestly, it put me off for a long time. But we were massively struggling."
She described the Family Hubs as having "a warm and welcoming atmosphere" with a "calm, peaceful and homely environment."
"The Family Hubs and Citizens Advice Wirral can change your life. It might sound dramatic, but they helped me a huge amount. They can assist you with so much – whether that is the cost of living, benefits, debt or housing issues," Emma said.
With support, Emma completed a thorough DLA application detailing her family's circumstances. The application was successful, and life became easier for the single mum.
Joanne was so impressed by Emma's dedication that she encouraged her to consider volunteering with Citizens Advice Wirral, supporting people facing similar issues from within a Family Hub.
Emma wasn't initially ready to take on the role. "I had been financially struggling and was mentally exhausted, so I couldn't commit to it. As a single parent, my confidence wasn't as high as it once was," she explained.
But the idea stayed with her, and she eventually got back in touch. "The DLA forms are difficult. I've always been quite good at English, but for someone who struggles, it is overwhelming. Joanne gave me a confidence boost, recognising there is something in me."
Emma is now undergoing training with Citizens Advice Wirral before being placed in one of Wirral's Family Hubs.
"Volunteering has been lovely, and I feel like I have got a purpose other than motherhood. In the future, I'll be able to get back into working life. For now, this is perfect," she said.
On her volunteering, Emma said she will help "where [she] is needed", whether that's with forms or with face-to-face issues. She is committed to helping those who need it.
Family Hubs are one-stop centres which provide advice, support, and information for families with children aged 0-19, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Support covers parenting, health and wellbeing, employment, lifelong learning and more. They also offer group activities, health visitors, access to library and foodbank services, and similar support to what Emma found.
Emma's advice to others: "You're not going to lose anything by getting in touch through a Family Hub and speaking to Citizens Advice. If there isn't anything they can do for you, they'll offer support in some sort of way and signpost you to other organisations."
