Philip and Leon's story

Philip is a kinship carer to his grandson Leon.

A Children First family support worker was concerned about the family's energy situation and connected Philip to our warm homes adviser.

To try and save money, Philip had stopped using his gas heating, unaware that standing charges were still building up. This led to over £1,700 of debt, while the family relied on costly electric heaters and faced damp and heating problems that were difficult to resolve.

Our Warm Homes Adviser worked with the energy supplier and housing provider to restore gas heating, secure essential household items like carpets, curtains and bedding and tackled the damp issues. Our team helped the family access financial support and we are continuing to work with Philip on an ongoing basis to resolve the energy debt.

The family now has a warmer, safer home and Philip is feeling more positive about the future.

He said: “I was really struggling financially and couldn’t afford the basics that Leon needed before I got in touch with Children First.

“Now I’m getting help to sort out the problems with my energy bills and have had help with my wider finances too. I don’t need to say no to Leon anymore when he asks for things that he needs.

“It’s been more than financial help we’ve been getting. We’re now part of a wider support group of kinship families who are in the same boat and it’s been really good to meet up with them. The kids do activities and it’s been great for Leon.

“Thank you to everyone at Children First that has helped us and is still helping us. I feel so much better about the future for me and Leon now.”