SE of Aylesbury
We were contacted by a support group who were trying to help SE and her three children who had suffered atrociously at the hands of their drug-dependent partner and father.
They were rehoused to keep them safe from the approaches of the partner's dangerous associates but SE became very depressed and the family fell into great financial difficulties as a result of these pressures and a number of miscommunications with the authorities about the benefits to which they were entitled.
As a result, they faced imminent eviction unless they could clear their rent arrears of £1,170 and, although the judge could see the extreme circumstances of their case and what had led to them, and although he wanted to be helpful, the best he could do was to stay execution of their eviction for a two week period to allow the support group a small chance of gaining support.
This was too short to allow them to seek help from local charities and, in any event, they knew no one organisation that might cover the total arrears even had they they time to consider the request.
The support group felt that a break-up of this family was very much against the interests of the children.
Our trustees approved this request and the arrears of £1170 were cleared in full. All this took place within seven days of our receiving the initial approach.
Tel.01604 648700 : Fax.05600 754 429