Fife's unsung heroes: Keri-Anne Balfour
Fife has many unsung heroes who have gone the extra mile to help others during the coronavirus lockdown. They are working hard behind the scenes to make sure that our buses still run, our prescriptions dispensed, and our services all keep ticking over. They deserve their moment in the spotlight as part of our Big Thank You
Keri-Anne Balfour, from Kirkcaldy, is a civil servant who has been helping Universal Credit claimants apply for benefits over the phone.
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Hide AdShe said: “In my role I support people who are needing support to claim benefits and I also help with advance payments and answer any queries that anyone has about the system.
“Since the pandemic started we have been receiving a lot of calls from people who are self-employed and quite a few tradesmen have been applying as well.
“It can be very hard for someone who has maybe worked for 10 or 20 years to apply for benefits, I take the time to listen to them and to understand their needs to see if there is anyway that I can help them – I try to make the call that I am on the best one possible and try to keep it positive.
Keri-Anne said her job can be quite stressful, but equally rewarding knowing that she has helped someone in their time of need.
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Hide AdShe said: “You can tell when someone is upset. You can hear it in their voice.
“It can be hard at times, but it is extremely rewarding when you know you have done a good job to help make someone’s situation better.
“I think since the lockdown started, people appreciate their family and friends more, and the measures that have been put in place are needed – it’s a shame when you see people not sticking to the social–distancing rules.
» To nominate someone for our Big Thank You please email [email protected]
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Thank you
Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press