I don’t know where I would be without the Helpline’s amazing support

We found ourselves having to suddenly leave the family home and retreat to a tiny flat. It was stressful time and we were in a frightening position. It was clear the accommodation was taking a toll on my health and I dreaded being stuck there.  

It was damp, there was a lack of ventilation and almost no room to even walk around in. There was no proper heating or insulation leaving us cold at night, and it made us feel very vulnerable. 

We knew that my life depended on being able to move into a more suitable environment. It was vital for me to get better and stop this downward spiral in my health. But it was difficult to see any light at the end of this tunnel.  

But then I contacted Cystic Fibrosis Trust’s Helpline, and they have played a key part in helping us find a better home and get in a better place financially too. It is very hard to find people that understand the problems that CF can give you and there is a lack of understanding. But finding and asking Cystic Fibrosis Trust for help, after never needing it before, was an amazing lifeline and I only wish we had contacted them sooner.  

They went through the options and there was no judgement, no punishment or guilt, just straight forward kindness, making us aware of my rights. Matthew (Helpline Manager) and Sangeeta (Benefits Adviser) have always shown and treated us with such empathy and helped us by sharing their crucial knowledge to help us achieve a positive outcome. I do not know where we would be without their amazing support.  

They have a unique understanding of the law and CF rights, which I have never considered that I may have. In our new accommodation, I have more space to exercise and less anxiety so I can breathe better and have a small private garden to take in fresh air whenever I need to. 

We now have a proper heating system for winter and great insulation to keep warm and dry with no mould. Our cooker and sink are no longer against the lounge sofa and now we have ventilation for cooking fumes in a real kitchen! A complete turnaround from our last Christmas and all helping my lung health. 

So, if you are suffering or need any help, the Trust is very worthy of your trust.  

*Names have been changed.  

With your support, Matthew, Sangeeta and their colleagues can be more than a Helpline. They’ll be a lifeline.  

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