'Muir helped to turn my life around,' says mum of three
A MUIR resident and mother of three has told how the housing association helped to turn her life around after spiralling debts left her living in fear.
Tracey Aridegbe, who lives in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, said Muir had improved her quality of life after working with her to overcome demoralising money worries which left her fearing to answer her door.
After finally deciding to confide in her Income Services Officer, the married 33-year-old was able to receive the help she needed to change things around, and is encouraging others with similar problems to open up to Muir rather than burying their head in the sand.
“I trust Muir and that is an amazing thing to have as a landlord,” said Tracey, who has three young children aged between one and 12.
“Muir’s Income Services Officer, Graham Dean, and Money Advisor, Wayne Pearson, have both been there when I have broken down and they helped pick me back up again.
“When I first moved into the property I was a bit of a mess,” admitted Tracey.
“Both myself and my husband had debts from our younger days and we were paying out more than £125 each week just to keep creditors happy.
“I lived in fear of my phone ringing or a knock at the door – I wouldn’t even leave my house. We had more money going out than coming in.”
Eventually Tracey decided to call Muir and was put in touch with Graham (pictured with Tracey) who helped her take the first step towards regaining control over her financial situation.
“I was open and honest,” Tracey said. “I told him I didn’t want to lose my home.
“Graham advised me how I could get help with housing benefit and set up a weekly plan to help with rent that we could afford.
“Wayne also sat down with us and took us through all the paperwork for a discretionary housing application, and made the phone calls for us.
“They did more than help – they changed our lives.”
Tracey said the experience has taught her valuable lessons about how to manage her money and that she no longer fears hearing a knock at the door or her telephone ringing.
“I didn’t know this kind of help was available at Muir,” she said. “It is free and the difference it has made is amazing.
“Now we are comfortable and very happy. It has improved our quality of life.”
Graham, an Income Services Officer at Muir for 14 years, explained how the first thing he tries to do is show residents with money worries exactly how Muir can help.
“We always try to sort out any issues so tenants can make their rent payments,” said Graham.
“We want to explore all options in order to sustain tenancies.
“We don’t want to take action; we want to help people. It really does make our job worthwhile.
“There are lots of ways we can help people who are struggling, but we need them to engage with us.
“We want people to know we are flexible and that they do not have to fear picking up the phone to us – it is a step in the right direction to overcoming money troubles.”
Anyone with financial concerns or who finds themselves with rent arrears can contact Muir for free and in confidence on 0300 123 1222 to speak with our Income Services Officers and Money Advice Team.