*Stock photograph used
In 2019 I made the decision to move from a larger organisation to self-employment. At this time, I had been traveling a lot with work, and I wanted to be closer to my mum who is unwell. I was fully prepared for a tough year or so while I established my business, but I was not prepared for how difficult it would truly be when, less than a year in, the coronavirus pandemic caused the few projects I was working on to disappear.
This was a huge set back. Before I moved to self-employment, I had just paid off debts acquired from years of education and graduating during a recession. I was beginning to save money towards my first house, and was able to help my mum, which meant a lot to me after all her support throughout the years. As I had been self-employed for less than a year, I was not eligible for the first grants so I had to turn to Universal Credit, barely enough to cover my food and bills, let alone the insurance and other costs I was looking at just to maintain my business. I contacted previous employers to see if they had any work, but the pandemic meant that a lot of companies had many staff on furlough, and no one was hiring.
It was a difficult time, and while I was lucky I would not be made homeless, I was very worried I would spiral back into the debt I had worked so hard to get out of. It is tough to get out once you start going down that hill.
It was a difficult time, and while I was lucky I would not be made homeless, I was very worried I would spiral back into the debt I had worked so hard to get out of. It is tough to get out once you start going down that hill.
I then saw information for Architects Benevolent Society and was able to get the support I hugely needed. They were able to help me financially which means I didn’t have to go back into debt. Without that worry it gave me more breathing space to focus on building my portfolio and website. Beyond the financial aspect, Helen [Welfare officer] and Katie [Operations Manager] were both lovely, gentle souls and helped me massively. The team at ABS have such a kind way about them and are patient and understanding.
Because of this support I was able to continue to work on my business and focus on an area which has led to repeat business and some interesting, large-scale projects. I continue to look towards buying my first house and want to build my business so that I can support and give my mum the care she needs and deserves.