Supporting Eesha through major life changes
Supporting Eesha through major life changes
Eesha attended Harlow Foodbank to see our Financial Capabilities Adviser to seek advice during a significant transition in her personal life. After more than 20 years of marriage, she and her husband had mutually agreed to separate. The decision had been reached amicably after recognising that their feelings for one another had changed over the last two years.
Although the separation was not contentious, Eesha felt overwhelmed by the practical implications of starting over independently. While she was financially able to afford private rented accommodation, she was unsure where to begin and lacked confidence in navigating the legal, housing, and financial aspects of separation.
One of her biggest concerns was uncertainty about future living arrangements for her children. As no decisions had yet been made about where the children would live, she did not know what size property she would need or how her financial circumstances might change.
Our adviser provided tailored guidance to help Eesha understand her options and take the first steps forward. She was reassured that many separating couples are able to make arrangements without going to court and was encouraged to seek legal advice to ensure any agreements reached were appropriate and fair. Information was provided about mediation services, highlighting how mediation can often be a quicker, less stressful, and more cost-effective route for couples who remain on good terms.
The adviser also explained the divorce process, including the option for Eesha and her husband to make a joint application and share associated costs, helping to reduce both financial and emotional pressures.
Recognising that housing was the client's immediate priority, the adviser provided practical information about finding and securing a rental property. This included guidance on using reputable letting agents, avoiding rental scams, understanding tenancy deposits and deposit protection schemes, and considering the full cost of running a home, including energy bills, water charges, and council tax.
To help Eesha plan for her future finances, she was also signposted to our benefits calculator and advised that her entitlement to support could change once her living arrangements and childcare responsibilities became clearer.
By the end of the appointment, Eesha had a much clearer understanding of the steps involved in separating, securing suitable housing, and managing her finances independently. What had initially felt like an overwhelming situation became a manageable process, enabling her to move forward with greater confidence and clarity about the future.
This case demonstrates how early advice and practical support can empower people facing major life changes, helping them make informed decisions and preventing uncertainty from escalating into crisis.
Our adviser received a lovely email from Eesha:
“Honestly, you made me feel less anxious and not alone. I really appreciate it”.
NB: Names and certain details have been changed to protect our clients anonymity