I could live in a cardboard box and I’d be happy, as long as I felt stable. My son and I began sofa surfing during the pandemic and the Council helped us by finding a property for us to rent, but it’s not affordable while I'm just on benefits. Before I even walk out the door each month, after rent and bills, I have minus money. That’s before food, clothes, washing - anything. I’ve never been in this situation before.
While it's a two bed, we don't have all the furnishing we need. We don’t even have a bed each - only one that we share. I’m devastated. Every night, I worry that someone will come knocking on the door trying to take payments for something new.
Starting work will make such a difference for our lives, as it will lift the limits on my benefits. As a support worker, I can help talk to people and look after them. I want to be there for people and help them however I can. I'm a good listener, and it will be interesting to get the chance just to sit down and speak to people.
I don’t need a lot. I only need somewhere me and my son can be happy, with a roof over our head. My dream is to be stable and content. I am happy now - there are people who are worse off, who don't even have a home - but I don't want to struggle anymore to keep this home for us to live in. I just want to be able to take my son for an ice cream down the road without having to worry about how much it might cost.
Once I start working, I'll donate back to Beam so that I can give back to others. It's amazing to think that I'll be able to do this. I feel like all my spirits are lifted by it - I feel inspired by the fact that I can get involved. I'm speechless.