Mrs Wilson was referred to SAIL by her local Fishermen's Mission. Mrs Wilson lives with her husband who has arthritis and is unable to do much for himself and relies on Mrs. Wilson for help.

Mrs Wilson's initial enquiry was about paying for funeral costs in the event that either she or her husband died. We advised her on this but also explored other issues as well, as we do for all SAIL clients. It transpired that Mr and Mrs Wilson were struggling financially and had about ten debts, including household items on hire schemes where she paid monthly hire fees.

Their debts were being managed by a debt management company whom the clients paid £30.00 every month in fees for their services. This means that £30.00 less went to their creditors.

With cooperation between SAIL and the Fishermen's Mission, a maritime charity, the clients were able to pay off the remaining payments on the hire agreements. Mr and Mrs Wilson also got money to buy a new washing machine. SAIL took over the management of their debts from the debt management company, saving them £30.00 a month. SAIL and the mission also increased their income by successfully applying and being awarded Attendance Allowance for Mr Wilson and Carers Allowance for Mrs Wilson increasing their weekly income by £80.00.

The clients are now much more financially comfortable and continue to get ongoing support from SAIL and the mission. The clients are very grateful for the joint effort that makes such an enormous difference to their lives.