A Sheffield mum has started a new courier service after Covid-19 reduced her work hours in her previous job at a car finance company.
Maria Jeffery, self-employed for over 14 years, began the service ‘Lass With A Van’ two months ago.
She said: “As I have never had a stable income, it’s been very difficult for my daughter and I to pay just for basic commodities, rent, and more.
“I need to be around my 16-year-old who is facing a terrible time with schools been currently closed. I’m trying to find a balance to be there for her even if we do not have a lot of money.”
What was initially going to be a camping van turned out to easily pick up and drop out small to medium-sized household items such as bed frames, tables, and mattresses.
Maria and her dog Jedi Master
The 45-year-old is been praised for breaking stereotypes in this role as she’s hoping to see more women follow her lead.
She said: “I’d love to see women with even bigger vans. Some ladies may not necessarily want a bunch of men in their house. It’s the same principle as wanting more female taxi drivers. I think that’d be a great idea.”
Alongside her job, Ms Jeffrey also volunteers in different homeless charities around Sheffield.
DePaul UK, for example, works alongside young people facing homelessness, offering accommodation, practical support, and wellbeing resources.
Some services include progression coaching to empower youngsters to live independently and activity programmes to help manage mental health problems, build healthy relationships and access education, employment and training.
She said: “Over the years, I’ve found worthy courses I wanted to support. I know volunteering and been self-employed does not come with all the job securities, but after all the 14 years my family has done ok. For this, I feel very fortunate.”
You can donate to DePaul UK here