Single mother in bills crisis: ‘I tried to hold down the fort but it crumbled’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy For Flora, a single mother of two sons living in Scotland, the cost of living crisis has led her to the very edge of despair. They also gave her immediate practical support – the group works with the West Lothian Food Network and supplies its clients with food recipe bags and energy top-ups when they can. open image in gallery Tricia Fraser, support adviser, and Lesley Balaj, financial wellbeing manager, at the Bridge Community project, which offers affordable counselling, free groups and courses, and financial wellbeing advice to residents of West Lothian Manager Lesley Balaj said: “We catch the people who tend to fall through the gaps. “We aspire to provide long-term solutions but the cost of living crisis means we are helping with immediate solutions – plasters over gaping holes.” open image in gallery The charity also supports Mary, a 29-year-old single mum who was drowning in debt before she made contact with the Bridge Community Project.