Since the beginning of the year, Cohesive Society CIC has been working tirelessly to provide much-needed support to residents in Northampton. From single mothers and disabled citizens to elderly pensioners and newly arrived migrants, our initiative to assist individuals with accessing essential benefits like Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Housing Benefit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income Support, Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) has become a lifeline for many.
This work, although often quiet and behind the scenes, is one of the most impactful initiatives we have ever undertaken. It gives us immense pride and joy to know we are helping people who, due to language barriers, a lack of online skills, or physical and mental constraints, cannot navigate the often complex and digital world of benefits applications on their own.
Every day, our small team of advisors sits with clients at our community space, explaining entitlements, filling in forms, submitting online applications, and making follow-up calls. Our advisors act not only as technical helpers but as empathetic listeners, giving people the respect, dignity, and attention they deserve.
The response has been overwhelming.
We are humbled by the sheer volume of people coming through our doors. At times, we feel the weight of responsibility heavy on our shoulders—we wish we had more advisors, more time, more funding to meet the demand. Yet, it is in this very challenge that we find purpose. This is what public service means to us.
Here are a few real-life examples (names and identities have been altered for confidentiality) that highlight the profound impact of our work:
Amina from Somalia came to us in tears. She had lost her job during the winter and was struggling to provide for her two young children. She couldn’t understand the online system to apply for Universal Credit. After sitting down with one of our advisors, she was guided through the process step-by-step. Within weeks, she was receiving the support she needed.
“I was afraid I would lose my home and couldn’t feed my children,” she told us. “But you helped me like a sister would. You explained everything, helped me fill the form, and I felt like I was not alone.”
John, a retired factory worker from the Caribbean, had no idea he was entitled to Pension Credit and help with his rent through Housing Benefit. His mobility was limited, and he didn’t have access to a smartphone or the internet. A volunteer visited him at home, collected the necessary paperwork, and completed all forms on his behalf.
“I’ve worked all my life, never asked for help,” John said. “I didn’t know anything about these benefits. God bless you for what you’re doing. You’ve made my last years easier.”
Fatima, an Arabic-speaking widow, was caring for her severely autistic son. She didn’t speak much English, and she was unaware she was entitled to Carer’s Allowance and Child Tax Credit. One of our bilingual staff members helped her understand her rights.
“You have given me peace,” Fatima whispered during our meeting. “I feel someone finally sees my struggle.”
Kwame from Ghana, who suffered a stroke last year, needed help applying for Employment and Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment. Navigating the health assessments and evidentiary documentation would have been impossible alone. We supported him every step of the way.
“I thank you from my heart,” Kwame said. “I couldn’t have done this without you. You brought me hope when I had none.”
Emma, a young single mum born and raised in Northampton, had dropped out of college and struggled to make ends meet. She came to us for help with Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
“You didn’t judge me,” she shared. “You helped me get back on track. I now have an interview lined up and know my rent will be covered. Thank you.”
Every one of these clients represents hundreds more who rely on our support. And every smile we receive in return reinforces our belief that this initiative is not just helpful—it is essential.
Still, we wish we could do more. The truth is, our small but mighty team is stretched to its limits. We often find ourselves juggling appointments and waiting lists, trying to reach everyone who needs us. There is a growing demand, especially among vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, refugees, and those with limited digital literacy.
What they all have in common is a simple desire to live with dignity.
Our work is not glamorous, but it is glorious in its quiet way. To sit beside someone who feels helpless and walk them through a confusing bureaucratic process—that is empowerment. To bridge the gap between need and support, between hope and despair—that is community.
We are incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to do this work.
And we are grateful to every person who walks through our door with trust in their heart. They remind us why we started Cohesive Society CIC in the first place: to create a space where no one feels alone, forgotten, or left behind.
If we had more funding and more trained advisors, we could reach double, perhaps even triple, the number of clients we currently serve. We believe every town needs a service like this: rooted in compassion, grounded in lived experience, and driven by a desire to uplift.
As we look ahead, we hope to continue growing this work. To welcome more people. To support more families. And to be the light at the end of the tunnel for someone who has nowhere else to turn.
Ultimately, helping someone access their rightful support is not just about money. It’s about dignity, humanity, and the belief that no one should have to struggle alone.
We at Cohesive Society CIC are honoured to stand beside our community, one form at a time, one voice at a time.
And we will continue to do so—with pride, with purpose, and with love.
