James had worked for over twenty years for a major motorcycle manufacturer and his job was his life. However, in his early fifties he began to suffer worsening health problems. He was forced to quit working and move from his beloved family home into a bungalow, following which he became very depressed. A widower, James felt like he had nowhere to turn and to add to his burden, debts were beginning to mount. One evening, when catching up with a former colleague on a rare night out, James was made aware of BEN and the help and support we can provide.

James gave the BEN Welfare Team a call and shortly afterwards received a visit at home from his local Welfare Officer. She sat down with James over a cup of tea and helped him prioritise his debts, to get in touch with the people he owed money to and arrange a reduced payment scheme. She was also able to arrange for BEN to help James with a small grant towards his utility arrears and a new washing machine when his broke down.

Just a few months later, with his finances back on track, James feels much happier and in control at last. Speaking of his Welfare Officer he says;

"I really had no idea what to expect when I got in touch with BEN, but when the lady came she was wonderful. I knew that everything was confidential and a weight was lifted from my shoulders when she explained how she could help. I feel like I have been given my life back and am so much happier and healthier now. BEN keep in touch as well, so I know that if things ever go wrong again they will be there for me."

(Names have been changed to protect confidentiality)