Tommy: Loretto advisor Mairi is a real lifeline

Tommy Martin, 64, from St John’s Court, Glasgow, got his benefits cut and lost his priceless mobility car.

Tommy, who has restricted mobility, was left out of pocket and isolated.

But after help from Loretto’s welfare benefits advisor, Mairi Sutherland, Thomas is not only financially better off - he’s got his mobility car back too.

Tommy, a retired marketing manager, said: “I was claiming Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PiP) but my benefits were cut and I lost £30 a week.

“I also lost my mobility car for six months.

“Without my mobility car I was a prisoner in my own home. My children had to finish work, come and get me, take me to their house for a meal then drop me off again. It was ridiculous.

“Mairi helped me appeal the decision and won.

“She was absolutely brilliant and was really fighting my corner. Her knowledge is first class.

I’m now £120 a month better off – and I have my mobility car back.

“Mairi is a real lifeline for tenants.

“I would recommend the service to any tenant.

Loretto’s Dan Blake said: “Our welfare benefits advisor can make a real difference to tenants by helping them claim all the benefits and tax credits they’re entitled to.”

Remember, Loretto has a range of ways to help tenants make ends meet.

Our money advisors can help you budget and manage debt and fuel advisors can give you free expert tips on how to cut your gas and electricity bills.

Loretto also has a range of schemes to help people get training or a job, including the Wheatley Pledge and our ‘community benefit’ scheme. 

If you’re looking for construction work, email wheatley.pledge@wheatley-group.com

Tenants can get recycled furniture to help them set up home through our Home Comforts service.

For details of any of these services, talk to your housing officer.

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