Julie's Story

Julie is a full-time carer for her disabled daughter, Sarah. Like many carers, her days are shaped by responsibility, constant decision-making, and the need to put someone else first. When changes to the benefits system added another layer of uncertainty, it quickly became overwhelming.

“My daughter had to move from ESA to Universal Credit, and I had no clue whatsoever what to do,” Julie said. “I was really worried about getting it wrong and her losing her benefits…. We rely on them.”

Unsure where to turn, Julie decided to visit the ‘Advice. Support. Wellbeing. Action.’ drop-in service at YMCA Humber after seeing information about it locally. From the moment she arrived, the experience felt comfortable and welcoming.

Julie explained: “Everybody was smiling. Someone came straight up to me, introduced themselves and asked what I was there for. It was welcoming and friendly. It didn’t feel stressful at all.”

During her visit, the team supported Julie to navigate the Universal Credit process, completing the necessary forms and ensuring everything was done correctly. What had felt daunting and confusing was handled calmly and clearly.

Julie said: “They did absolutely everything. I didn’t have to worry about anything.”

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that benefits were not the only challenge Julie was facing. Due to Sarah’s deteriorating disability, Julie now needed to move into more suitable accommodation to better meet her daughter’s needs. She said: “I now have to move into a bungalow, and they sorted all my housing application out as well.”

In a single visit, multiple worries were addressed. These included finances, housing, and future stability. This eased pressures that had been weighing heavily on Julie as a sole carer.

The relief was tangible. Julie stated: “It took a weight off my shoulders… This meant I could focus on what I need to do for Sarah.” By the time Julie left, the sense of relief was clear. “I was totally relaxed when I left here. I didn’t have to worry anymore.”

The ‘Advice. Support. Wellbeing. Action.’ service at YMCA Humber in partnership with Citizens Advice offers free, accessible support for people facing practical, financial, or emotional challenges. Whether it is benefits advice, housing support, or simply a safe place to talk things through, the service is designed to reduce stress and help people feel more in control of their situation.

“It was lovely. It’s a good place to come. Even if you don’t want anything sorting out, there are all sorts of things here that you can do.”

For Julie, the support meant more than help with paperwork. It meant reassurance, understanding and the space to breathe, knowing she did not have to face everything alone.