Getting through the next three years will be very difficult...

"My crisis has been caused by two things. 

First, I have a disability. I had to give up a full-time job approx. 6 years ago. However, I managed to find two part-time jobs later (30 hrs) which did not impact on my back injury. However, due to a deterioration I am now having to give up one of my jobs which causes me problems resulting in time off work. Therefore with my salary cut in half, I will not be able to meet my bills, food included.

Second. The government pension age has affected women in my age group. I am nearly 62 years of age and will now have to wait until I am nearly 65 to receive my pension. Getting through the next 3 years will be very difficult."

Our heartfelt thanks to Heather for sharing this with us.

Sarah's Story

"Due to circumstances over the last few months I have found myself in debt.  I am struggling to pay bedroom tax and am now in arrears and have to go to court.  It has been a case of either heating the house or eating.

I would be happy to move to a smaller property but there is nothing available so have to remain in the property but cant afford the bedroom tax and now face being evicted.

The situation is affecting my health and increased my depression,  I have disabilities that affect my mobility but cannot go into any sheltered accommodation until I'm 55 years of age."

Thank you Sarah for sharing your story with us at West Cheshire Foodbank.

John's Story

"Originally on incapacity benefit for 10 years.  On transfer to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) I had a medical and was awarded 0 points by ATOS. I asked for a review but the decision was upheld. I appealed but the medical representative humiliated me.
I was given bad advice by Job Centre Plus that I could not claim other benefits.  I lived off savings for over a year and made a new claim for ESA and was granted basic rate.  My GP has always given me sick notes and am living in dread of another medical.  I have both physical and mental health issues.  I only get 25% single occupancy discount.  I feel like a corpse."

Thank you John for sharing your story with Foodbank.

Gerry's Story

"Gerry is 67 and has numerous debts.  He has rent arrears because of the 'bedroom tax' and he owes council tax and other debts.  Efforts are being made to resolve this.  Recently he was taken advantage of and his life savings were stolen, leaving him destitute.  The person who did this has been imprisoned. 

Gerry has cerebral atrophy, which has affected his memory so that he gets confused and forgetful.  He is being helped by social services."

Thank you Gerry for sharing your story.

Joshua's Story

"I'm here today because I have no food or money. For the last two years I have been on a reduced rate of ESA. I had an accident in work. I have damaged my spine. I have had an MRI scan that shows bulging in my neck and lower back. So from my accident I lost my health, home, job and so found myself homeless. But I am not homeless anymore I just have a low income and lots of debt."

Thank you so much to Joshua for sharing his story with us.