Charlie Morrison from Thornaby approached Five Lamps’ Financial Inclusion Team in January 2014, seeking an additional personal loan
At that time he was on benefits and doing voluntary work at the Moses Project in Stockton which offers support and mentoring to men suffering problems as a result of addictions or personal problems.
Charlie and his partner, who have a young son were finding the post– Christmas period difficult with increased bills and heating costs. Vince worked with Charlie and was able to support his application for an affordable personal loan.
Vince also supported the family by referring them onto Five Lamps’ Warm Homes Healthy People Project. John Hird, Five Lamps Senior Loans Officer met with Charlie and explained that he would be eligible for The Warm Homes Discount scheme, which provides a discount on electricity bills.
Charlie wrote to Five Lamps recently to advise that he received a £135 rebate on his electricity bills. He also explained that he had also secured a full-time role as a Drugs and Alcohol Support Worker and said
“My family and I would like to thank Vince, John and the Five Lamps’ team for their assistance. The support we received was second to none – it just takes a few nice people to take a chance on a family like mine, and you can change lives. Please keep up the good work!!”
Five Lamps provides affordable credit to financially excluded individuals and last year provided loans to over 12,000 customers, enabling them to move away from high interest credit.
Five Lamps are also currently working with Stockton Council on the Warm Homes Healthy People project helping people in Stockton on Tees who are suffering from fuel poverty.