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How the Community Law Service gave me a second lease of life

By Gerard 

The Community Law Service (CLS) helped me through a very difficult time when every door I opened got slammed in my face. I had worked in construction my whole working life. One day I slipped at work and landed on my arm and busted my tendons. I was signed off work and I was written off by my industry. I also had to have a heart procedure so I knew at that point that my working days were over. 

Battle to get benefits 

My battle began when I tried to get access to benefits to support me. COVID had just hit and it was impossible to speak to anyone face to face. I am rubbish on the telephone and get the buttons in a muddle. I don’t use a computer so when every avenue I went down sent me to fill in a form online, I knew that I was in real trouble.  

Things really turned around for me when I accessed the Community Law Service. They were so dedicated in their approach and pushed through all the barriers so I could get an answer. They helped me fill in the forms I needed so I could get my Personal Independence Allowance (PIP). They also opened up new options for me that I didn’t even know existed – for instance they sorted out a carer’s allowance for my wife. 

Putting my world back on track 

Their help made such a difference to me. They helped put my world back on track. I had given up and thought that was it for me, but CLS gave me a second lease of life. I began to sort things out for myself and got out and about. I got my bus pass which meant I could go out and meet friends and family. I love watching football – I used to enjoy watching the local football clubs in my local park but they don’t happen any more, so I save up all my pennies so I can see my team, Celtic, back home in Glasgow. 

CLS is a fantastic local advice centre that works alongside other local services. I use the Hope Centre Food Bank every week which really helps with the basics I need. It’s a great support for local people. If it wasn’t for CLS I’d still be in a state of distress. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at the advice centre – they really bent over backwards to support me and I will be forever grateful.