How we help community nurses
Financial help for nurses
We look at every case on an individual basis and in 2024 we helped 233 nurses, working and retired, who needed our help.
Most nurses who receive help from the QICN are going through a time of personal crisis. This may include physical or mental illness, trying to escape domestic abuse, or experiencing other life crises, such as eviction, family health problems, marriage breakdown or bereavement.
Examples of how we have helped
Car accident recovery…
Sue, a Lead Specialist Practitioner, was leaving her place of work to visit a patient when a car drove into the side of her, causing extensive damage to her car and fracturing her distal radius. Her wrist was put in a cast followed by a splint, and subsequently she had surgery . Sue was off work for 6 months on reduced pay. Sue had to attend over 25 hospital appointments and often had to pay for public transport, since she could not drive. She also had to pay for her prescription pain medication and new scrubs to make getting dressed accessible until her wrist fully recovered.
Sue said “If I had not received the grant I would have really struggled financially so I cannot thank the QICN enough.”
Supporting families…
Paul, a mental health nurse, separated from his partner, which left him to pay the rent and mortgage as well as the debts that they had accumulated. Paul also had to replace some doors in the house and wanted to buy his two year old son a bed.
Paul said “I was in desperate worry about the state of my household finances after separation from my partner. As a single dad, I found myself on one income with two young children. One thing that particularly worried me was that our son had outgrown his cot. Thanks to the QICN Grant, I have been able to buy him a brand-new bedframe and mattress that will last him for years, along with a duvet and bed linen. This has taken a huge weight off my mind, especially with winter and Christmas approaching.”
Help with housing…
Peter had separated from his wife and children and was trying to maintain the family home and pay rent for a flat nearby. He was struggling financially and not able to cope. He was awarded a grant to get him settled into his new property and then help with utility bills.
During tough times…
Anita’s husband left her several years ago, leaving her to bring up three young children alone. His financial support for them was always sporadic but then he stopped helping altogether. Anita began to fall into arrears with her rent and finally was facing eviction when the house she was living in was to be sold. We were able to help Anita with the deposit towards a new property and supported her for three months by sending her food vouchers.
After a stroke…
Wendy had suffered a severe stroke at a young age two years ago and had been left with right-sided weakness with no movement in right arm and hand and her speech was affected. We awarded a grant to help her adapt her car so she could still go out when she was feeling better.
Bridging the gap…
Jenny had been diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 breast cancer and was going through treatment, when her husband was made redundant. They had three children living at home. We awarded a grant to help with living expenses until they obtained their state benefits.
All names have been changed.