After years of struggling in silence, moving to a new city and recently dealing with a personal loss of a loved one, Freddie has finally found the support and space to begin his journey in life moving forward.
For much of his life, asking for help felt impossible. Being introduced to the Cash First Flexible Crisis Fund helped with Freddie’s immediate financial stresses whilst also allowing him to build his sense of dignity, belonging and direction in his life.
“After I found out about Cash First, I felt a sense of relief. It helped me to keep focused and cope through everything that I was going through at that time.”
When Freddie’s godmother, who he describes as like a second mother, passed away suddenly, it was a devastating loss. Cash First helped cover the cost of travel so he could attend her funeral.
"If it wasn't for the help from Cash First, I wouldn't have been able to afford to go. This support meant I wasn't a burden to anyone and removed extra stress for me."
Freddie has experienced homelessness and relied on food banks before, though his health and dietary intolerances often made them inaccessible.
“At some food banks, it doesn’t feel like help when there’s limited choice. It feels like you’re given the leftovers. People say ‘beggars can’t be choosers,’ but everyone deserves a choice.”
“There is far less stigma around Cash First. It felt different because of the one-to-one, individual support and having the choice on where your money can go.”
“I didn’t know the city or a lot of people when I first moved here. Through Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau and Cash First, I finally felt like I had real support. In just the last few months, I’ve had more encouragement here than I’ve had in years. This is what I needed and it has really helped.”
“When people are isolated, like I have been before, just having one person to speak to makes all the difference. It’s about being able to communicate, being heard and being shown that options like Cash First exist.”
Freddie reflects on what the support has meant for him: “Cash First has been incredible. For me, I could cover travel costs during a time in need, what’s it going to be for someone else? Whatever it is, it can make a difference. Everyone deserves enough to eat, everyone deserves a roof, everyone deserves their own life and everyone deserves their own choice."
