Friday 29 January 2016

Karen's story

"I was working as a probation officer in 2012, (had been for a number of years) when I escaped domestic violence by transferring to a different city. He found me, so I moved again. My health has deteriorated so much, mentally and physically, having chronic depression, a bowel disease and a chronic pain condition, that I had to give up my much loved career. My landlady refused to take housing benefit and he had found me again, so I moved to be near friends, sofa surfing until I could sort myself out. I sank into a terrible depression and had a breakdown. I finally had the strength to make a homeless application and was immediately helped into supported accommodation where I am now, attempting to rebuild my life , but having no money for food or anything else. If I could work, I would."

Thank you to Karen for sharing her experiences with us.

Wednesday 27 January 2016

Alistair's story

"Had ESA medical - was on basic rate. Had hearing test & blood test at the medical. Reduced payment to £100.00 p.w. because of query over partner (joint claim) who is not on any disability or other benefits. Have said this would only be until decision made in a couple of weeks. Partner can't get out of house - can't walk (heart, knees and back - overweight). (ex drug-taker and alcoholic) - Has to support partner and 2 children (18 months and 8 months)."


Thank you to Alistair for sharing his experience.

Friday 22 January 2016

Simon's story

















"On ESA and having difficulty paying the bills. I own my own house (free of mortgage) but upkeep is expensive. I am unable to work."

Thank you to Simon for sharing his foodbank experience.

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Daniel's story
















"I was brain damaged in an accident and I cannot work. I am receiving disability living allowance. I lived in Skegness for five years but two weeks ago I moved to Chester to be near my family. The expenses of the move have left me without enough money for food."

Thank you to Daniel for sharing his story.

Friday 15 January 2016

Paul's Story


















"The Jobcentre have Sanctioned me because I didnt turn up for an appointment. The Sanction last's a month, and for that month without food, I am claiming Severe Hardship, but that doesn't start for two week so really me and other people are stuck if it weren't for the food bank and the lovely people that help I'd proply starve so please think of these lovely people cause they have helped me."

Thank you to Paul for sharing his experience with us.

Sunday 3 January 2016

Will's Story

"Has been unemployed for 5 months on JSA. Paid £500 of his own money to go on a chain saw licence course in Preston for two days. Getting up at 4am. Wasn't able to look for work so lost money for two weeks. Jobcentre Plus put him on a mandatory work programme - couldn't get money out of the Post Office until 9am so couldn't get to work for 7am. So was sanctioned for 2 months."

Thank you to Will for sharing his experience with us.

Friday 1 January 2016

Beth's Story

"After returning from Australia, due to a breakdown of my marriage, I applied for JSA one week after coming back into the UK. After signing on every two weeks, 4 weeks later I received a letter saying I would not be entitled to any payment because I was not habitually resident. I was born and have worked in this country since I left in 2003. Both myself and my kids are British. Jobcentre Plus told me to seek help via Cheshire West and Chester Council. Once again they won't help me as I am not receiving any benefits. So my two kids and I receive no money at all. My parents have taken us in, so that my kids have a roof over their heads. They are OAPs. I am not even able to apply for to have free school meals, so without the help of foodbank, myself and my kids would be hungry." 

Thank you so much to Elisabeth for sharing her experience with us.