What we offer
With his trusty salmon pink Fender guitar Kurt Theobald teaches music of all kinds in schools and colleges on a peripatetic basic. But with cutbacks in arts provision at many schools he found himself struggling to make ends meet. He contacted Help Musicians which put him in touch with Education Support.
“I’ve spent a lot of years working in colleges and schools, teaching history as well as music and also some one-to-one music tuition. I really enjoy my work and the contact with students but the problem is even though I can get some work it doesn’t last and my contracts were only ever very short term.
Rent arrears
“As a result I ended up in rent arrears and needed help. I got in touch with the helpline and they told me about the grant service. I was awarded a grant of £750 to clear my rent arrears and help with other expenses. I’m so grateful to the Education Support Partnership. Due to my money worries I was suffering with anxiety and depression. I also had problems managing my anger at the frustration of my dilemma of not having enough work.
“Education Support Partnership gave me much-needed breathing space at a very difficult time in my life. I also lost my father to cancer and that together with money problems really knocked the winds out of my sails. I’m now spending more time making music as I think it’s important to be creative; even if you can’t always make a living from it creativity helps you cope with tough times.”
Composing
Kurt is now turning his guitar skills into production and composing so he has a broader skill set and can offer work in music technology in schools and colleges. “I look for work every day and I hope to find more by widening what I have to offer.
“Thanks to the grant service at Education Support my financial health is a lot better now so the rest of my health is too. I pay my bills on time and though this means I don’t go out much I have good neighbours and try to stay sociable without spending too much! I also live near some lovely countryside so I go walking, cycling and play golf. I think it’s important to get regular exercise if you’ve been stressed and being outdoors is a big help."
How we can help you
Our confidential grants service is here to help you manage your financial and money worries to get you back on track when you are struggling.
If you are working in or retired from the education sector and are suffering financial problems caused by unemployment, ill health, sudden life events, bereavement or a personal injury we may be able to offer support.
Please visit our grants page to find out more and apply.