Case Histories
Our clients are all Bristol-based, coming mainly from the New Deal for Communities (NDC) area of Lawrence Hill, Barton Hill, Redfield and The Dings as well as Newtown and parts of Easton and Whitehall.
Louise Davenport (34) from St George came with debt problems: "I phoned my local councillor and said I didn't know where to go for help and he suggested coming here. When you have nowhere to turn and suddenly find somewhere like this it's really good. Fiona sorted everything out within two days. I've now recommended them to loads of people I know."
Beata Kolodziej (43) from Whitehall had help with forms and phone calls: "They helped me get an NHS card which had gone missing and fill out the application for Working Families Tax Credit. They also made phone calls for me because I find it difficult talking to people if it is not face to face. I think it's very good to help people, especially like me from other countries, because it's very difficult to do some things alone and I feel better with this support. It would be really sad for so many people if this place had to go."
Juppas Cushnie (44) from Barton Hill had debt problems and problems with paying bills: "To buy basics was a stretch. I was up to my neck and came here for help. Now I'm not struggling to pay the bills and it's relieved the anxiety and stress. It's like a weight has been lifted and I have a new beginning. Fiona was so helpful and had a lot of compassion; I felt I wasn't doing it alone. You get a brilliant service from people who have a drive to get things done. You get the impression that they really care and it's just round the corner; that was one of the best things. There are loads of people in my dilemma going through the same struggles. It's a much-needed service and I can definitely recommend it to others. Now I'm refreshed and it has given me the incentive to go back to studies and prepare for the future. It's improved my family life and my two girls can notice the difference in me now. Because of the help I've received I'm able to provide for them; before they used to go without lots of stuff."
Rachael Kent (34) from Redfield applied for Disability Living Allowance:: "I found out about this place through my health visitor in March. I came for Disability Living Allowance as I have hypermobility syndrome and EDS3. Ellen, the adviser, came to me because I have trouble walking and was housebound. It took forever to get the allowance and I probably wouldn't have carried on without her help. They even delivered things to my house; nothing was too much trouble. You can always get through on the phone and get appointments as well. "Getting the allowance has made a big difference to me financially and I'm able to send my son Jake to nursery a couple of mornings which helps me cope. There's a charity for people in my condition and I've tried to find a service like this for them in other areas."
Brian Smith (71) from Barton Hill had money problems: "I first came to EBAS a year ago. Fiona was absolutely marvellous. She has sorted a lot of problems out for me and she is still working on it for the next two years. "She was absolutely wonderful and also helped me find ways of managing money. This is the best service I have used in Bristol. It has taken a weight off my mind. I was close to taking my life and she saved me. If this place closed down a lot of people wouldn't know where to turn to for help. There is nowhere else to go to like this and it's brilliant that it's free. I can always come and talk to somebody. If I know anybody in trouble I will always send them here. If you come here they not only give you advice, but they sort it all out for you; you don't have to worry."
Andi Bryant (44) from Barton Hill applied for Disability Living Allowance: "I came here because I was seriously ill with diabetes and sarcoidosis which affects your breathing and nervous system. A care worker had told me to apply for Disability Living Allowance but the application had been refused. I came here and brought all the notes and Saiqa took up the case for me. We reapplied, had a review and it was refused - and then applied to go to tribunal. Saiqa came with me and after we went to the tribunal the social services original decision was reversed and I got an award. It has made such a difference because it gave me an extra £400 a month. It's allowed me to cope, manage bills and my diet is better. I can only walk a few yards without getting extremely breathless and now I have a car which makes things easier. I also had trouble with the bailiffs: because I was ill the rent or council tax wasn't paid and I had a big bill for £600. EBAS advised me on a course of action for dealing with the bailiffs. We went to court and the council wasn't awarded costs and told to review the case. I got a much lower bill and paid it off."
Osman Abschir (38) from Barton Hill needed help to find out about benefits he could claim for his family: "They helped me to find out about Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit and did the forms because written English is difficult for me. I felt worried and could never have sorted it myself. I did not know I could claim these benefits. Everybody here is very friendly and gives one hundred per cent."
John Hall (75) from Lawrence Hill had a home visit when seriously ill to find out his entitlements: "I had a heart quadruple and then had cancer so the adviser Mary came to my house. She gave me a lot of advice about what I was entitled to like a Carer's Allowance as my wife is my carer. They helped with the forms for all my entitlements. I found it really helpful and they were absolutely wonderful."