Hannah’s a young person we supported who now lives independently. This is her experience of the cost-of-living crisis. ‘I was working in retail and it was so hard to make ends meet. I was on under £15k a year and I was constantly struggling, especially through Covid. Once Covid subsided, I was able to find a new job working for a charity, which I love – but I am entry level and I am always finding it hard to afford to live. I rarely go out. If I do, I have to be really careful and things never feel carefree. I basically work and stay at home. I have a physical hobby and I can do that for free, but I don’t have the money for leisure. 'We just don’t learn financial literacy in school, which is so important. It’s so useful to know how to save and manage your money – especially for people who don’t have family to rely on. 'I don’t have hot water in my place because I can’t afford it. I just don’t use gas at all. When it’s cold I have to layer up. 'This month I have no money already. We get paid in the middle of the month and by the beginning of the next month, I have barely anything to get me through the next two weeks. 'I’ve lived a life of not having money, but recently things just seem to be getting even harder despite the fact that I am earning more.’ It’s not enough for young people to just be surviving - they deserve to thrive. Click the link in our bio to join us and campaign for change.