Janet is a single parent with two young children whose ex-husband was in the Royal Navy. She was referred to us as part of the pilot we are undertaking to support Royal Navy families, working with Sailor's Families Society and other partners. She was referred to us due to a number of priority and non priority debts. Janet had recently lost her part time job and was then diagnosed with cancer. She was finding it difficult to cope both emotionally and financially. Janet had mortgage arrears, utility debts and Council Tax arrears. There was also a social fund overpayment and catalogue and credit debts. She was receiving constant phone calls and letters threatening further action and this was causing her a great deal of stress.

As Janet was about to be admitted to hospital for a major operation, we contacted all creditors to advise them of the situation and to ask that they put a hold on any further recovery action while we gathered information and to allow Janet some time to recover. We also stressed that all contact should be through SAIL due to Janet's ill health.

We provided her with a full benefit check and advised her to apply for Employment and Support Allowance and Council Tax Benefit. She was awarded both benefits. We also succeeded in getting the repayments for her Social Fund loan reduced and advised her to apply for free school meals for her children. With her income increased, we drew up a financial statement and negotiated with her priority creditors. We also made a charity application on her behalf to The British Gas Energy Trust Fund. We then contacted Janet's non priority creditors with offers of repayment.

Janet said she is very grateful for our help at a time when she was under enormous stress and felt unable to cope.