Sonita's Story

"Currently I am a full time college student studying social sciences to gain access to university. The reason I need to use the Foodbank was because my claim for Employment Support Allowance was cancelled with no thought from the Department of Work and Pensions on how I would survive. I do not meet the criteria for other benefits due to my age and my college course. 

As I suffer from depression I have also become estranged from my father, meaning I have nobody to support me."

West Cheshire Foodbank would like to thank Sonita for sharing her story.

Racquel's Story

"My story started a month ago when I did some part time work, of which I notified the Department of Work and Pensions. The DWP got back to me via a letter saying I hadn't informed them and are therefore suspending my allowances.

That is why I needed emergency food today. The issue is still going on a month later."

Thank you Racquel for sharing your story with West Cheshire Foodbank

Restoring Faith in The Safety Net

Church Action on Poverty has launched its latest report on "Restoring Faith in the Safety Net" (.pdf file).  As it points out in its introduction:

A truly compassionate society is one which expresses concern for the welfare and dignity of all its citizens. In a world of growing insecurity, a compassionate society is one which provides a bedrock of social security: the security of knowing that becoming sick, disabled or unemployed, or suffering a financial shock or crisis (be it a bereavement or a broken cooker), will not leave anyone penniless, hungry or at risk of destitution.

[...]

This report restates the case for a social security safety net. It also documents an increasing number of holes in that safety net – undue delays, errors, or excessive sanctions, many of which are leaving large numbers of people without income for days, weeks or even months at a time. Too many people, including children, are being left at risk of hunger or destitution as a result.

You can download and read the report by clicking here (.pdf file).

For more information, and to take action to restore faith in the safety net visit the Church Action on Poverty Website: http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/safetynet

Kel's Story

"My family and I fully appreciate all the help and support the Wesley Methodist Church has given us. 

We are in a bad position financially through our benefits changing.  My partner is not ready to work, due to ill health.  I am also unwell and awaiting an operation.

Hopefully our benefits will be changed once our appeals have been looked at again".

West Cheshire Foodbank would like to thank Kel for sharing her story.

Robert's Story

"Robert was working full-time and put on to Employment Support Allowance due to a leg injury.  He had an appointment at a work related activity group, but could not go as he collapsed in town as the injury to his leg turned out to be a serious blood clot.  Robert was rushed to hospital, so missed the appointment and had his benefits stopped.

Robert came out of hospital to be told that as his injury is now 'different' he has to make a new claim which they say will take three weeks to sort out.  He had been in town to collect the two weeks money he was owed, which he hasn't had and they now say he won't get, because it is a new claim.  This means that there will be a minimum of 5 weeks that Robert will be without money."

Thank you Robert for sharing your story with Foodbank

Matthew's Story

"I have changed claims to claim for my new partner.  We have one 19 month old child.  Because of this my benefits stopped and I have been told it will take three weeks before my benefits will come through and meanwhile we have nothing."

Thank you Matthew for your story.

James' Story

“After being refused Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and being declared fit for work I was told to go on to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). I was refused JSA as I would not be readily be available for work due to an upcoming spinal operation. Subsequently I have been left in a political blackhole of being declared fit for work (although I’m due for spinal surgery). This has left myself and my family in hardship. I have 2 sons (4yrs and 11yrs) and it’s quite ridiculous the situation I have found myself in through no fault of my own. Foodbank has been brilliant and without the help I would have had no means of buying food since 21^st January 2015 (date of writing 19^th Feb 2015).”

Our thanks to James for sharing this with us.

Alice's Story

"Husband (51) was on ESA (previosly had stroke and epileptic fit). Few weeks ago he was told he was fit for work and he should sign on for JSA. Sent on work programme to college in Ellesmere Port - went and had another stroke and epileptic fit at college. Taken to hospital. Doctors said he wasn't fit. JCP agreed he should be on ESA. No money for over a month. Have said it will be another two weeks before she gets any money. She is legally responsible for grand-daughter."

Thank you so much to Alice for sharing the circumstances that she is facing. Thanks also to the volunteer who listened and took notes for Alice.

Tony's Story

"My immediate situation is I am being moved from JSA to ESA, which led to a delay in my benefits. I was anyway in debt for my bills. I have been signed off for depression and anxiety, and I lost my job in March. Also, I was caught speeding and received three points on my licence which will lead to more costs. There have been life events that may have led to my anxiety and depression and not helped when I needed to get my situation sorted out."

Our thanks to Tony for sharing his story with us.

Paul and Angela's Story

"Paul attended appointment with D.H.S doctor and was told he no longer qualifies for ESA. Paul suffers from epilepsy, is currently on medication and still has fits. There has been no change in his condition. Due to a change over of benefits from ESA to JSA they are currently receiving no benefits (since 21st April). Paul and Angela sought support from [agency name] who issued a Foodbank voucher."

Our sincere thanks go to Paul and Angela for sharing this and to the volunteer who took the notes for them. Our thoughts are with you.