Don’t Let Pride Stop You: How Asking for Help Changed Ben’s Life

Ben shares how he overcame financial strain, isolation, and pride to seek support at Citygate Community Hub. From lifesaving help for a beloved pet to rebuilding confidence, community connections, and a desire to give back, his story is a moving testament to how compassionate, holistic support can help someone feel like themselves again.

Ben is now giving back by supporting others through his volunteer work at our Community Hub.

My name is Ben. I live in Bournemouth with my three cats. I  can be a bit of a social recluse, but that has been changing recently.

When I first came to Citygate Community Hub in June 2025, I was experiencing some financial struggles. Rising living costs meant my monthly income was no longer stretching far enough. I had reached the point where I was struggling to afford food and applied for a food bank voucher to help make ends meet.

I needed to overcome my pride before I could visit - I felt ashamed to ask for help. But as soon as I arrived, I was made to feel welcome, included, and like nothing was too much trouble. The support I received at Citygate is second to none. I was served by the food bank team and offered more focused help through the Citygate casework service.

Crucially, my Citygate caseworker helped me to access help from the RSPCA to cover urgent vet bills for my cat, Tom. I was genuinely scared I might wake up one day and find he hadn’t made it. That support lifted a huge burden - financially and emotionally. She also personally introduced me to Citizens Advice at the hub, and I’m now receiving support with my finances.

My caseworker also helped me address the social isolation I was experiencing. Through her guidance and encouragement, I connected with several community activities - including a local food-growing gardening project, a woodland walks community group, and volunteering with a charity’s befriending service. The idea of ‘befriending’ really resonated with me - being the person at the end of the phone for someone who might not have anyone else to talk to. 

Thinking back to the start, I always had it in the back of my mind that if I was going to use the service, I wanted to give something back. If I can be trained to offer the kind of support I received at Citygate, that fills me with so much satisfaction. Just the thought that a small conversation could help someone feel like they can cope again - it gives me goosebumps, tying together my own journey with a chance to support someone else through theirs.

My situation has improved overall - naturally, with some peaks and troughs along the way. Just knowing that if I try but fail, Citygate Community Hub is nearby to offer guidance has helped me feel more confident in facing those ups and downs - it's made a huge difference. Citygate Community Hub’s support has helped me feel like me again. Looking back, I only wish I’d reached out to Citygate sooner. 

To the Citygate Community Hub team: thank you! Overwhelmingly, the friendliness, care and dedication that I have received has been 100 per cent. You eased my concerns the moment I walked through the door, and I didn’t feel any less of a person for asking for help - quite the opposite. You made me feel valued and respected.

To anyone facing similar challenges: don’t let pride stop you. Use the service. Embrace the conversations. Follow the guidance. You’re not alone, and there’s more support out there than you might realise.