Teachers are facing hard times in the credit crunch. Our service offers grants and advice.

The credit crunch has hit many teachers hard. More of them are coming to us for debt advice and grants to help them cope with financial hardship. As a result, we paid out over 50% more in grants in April than we had budgeted for.

If this continues we may find ourselves having to turn down some much-needed requests for help unless we can raise more funds. Please will you give a helping hand to teachers in need by sending a donation to this special appeal?

Life isn't easy for Jenny at the best of times as she cares for her 14-year-old son on her own.  David has ADHD and caring for him is not only very demanding, but the cost of clothing him is high, because his restless behaviour means he wears out his clothes very quickly.  Jenny does her best to manage on her income, but she struggles to pay the mortgage every month.

When she contacted us, she was desperate with worry and she was even terrified that she might lose the house.

Fortunately she called one of our money advisers.  He discussed Jenny's financial situation with her and made some useful suggestions to cut her outgoings. He also gave Jenny a small grant - two months' worth of mortgage and council tax payments - to help her get on her feet again financially.  As she told us: ‘The Teacher Support Network was so supportive at a time when I was at my wits' end.  Thanks to you I feel I can cope again.'

We've told you Jenny's story, not because it is exceptional, but because it reflects the plight that so many teachers face. They struggle to make ends meet, mostly because of circumstances beyond their control.

The Teacher Support Network is not a big organisation.  We don't have the resources to wave a magic wand and make their problems go away.  But often our support can make all the difference to teachers who don't know which way to turn.

We want to be able to answer the increased number of calls we know will come in for money and debt advice.  Please make a donation today to help us make sure we can. Thank you.