Back on our feet: Ellie and four children in Rochester

Since the death of my husband in February, I'm now raising four children on my own. I work as a retail cashier, but my income doesn't cover rent, childcare and groceries. I'm retraining as a pharmacy technician in the evenings, which will triple my income by May, but I need to bridge the gap until then. Some weeks I skip meals so my children can eat. I have never asked anyone for help like this before, and I'm doing it for them. Once I finish my course, I'll pay it forward. Every cent is accounted for. I'll share a simple monthly breakdown. Where the $4,900 goes: • Rent top-up: $1,700 • Childcare and after-school care: $1,100 • Groceries and school meals: $1,250 • Course fees and exam costs: $850 Glad we found this place.