Mike's story

"Mr Hughes has had a long history of difficulties - in the past he has slept rough. Recently he has developed severe back pain and has been referred for X-ray.
His present address only offers 2 years occupancy but hopes to be rehoused by Housing Dept to a longer tenancy."

Thank you to Mike for sharing his story with us, and to the volunteer who listened and recorded it on his behalf.

Trevor's story

"Have been on sick since 1995. Has mental health problems for which he receives treatment. Has hepatitis C, SLPD, ulcerated foot, failed a medical, found fit for work. Didn't know about hepatitis C at first. Doctor signed him off until March but was overridden by company employed by DWP. Now appealed at tribunal and put a new claim in to include Hepatitis C. Told to sign on at Jobseekers, went there and they declared him unfit for work. 
No money since December 3rd.
Received letter to say not entitled to job seekers allowance, 2 days later received a letter to say pleased to tell you you are entitled to JSA £72.00 a week but nothing paid."

Thank you to Trevor for sharing his experience, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and recorded the story on Trevor's behalf.

I've lost my job and my working tax credits...

"In hospital 4 times this year - 3 for operations and once with pneumonia & pleurisy. I have been working as a cleaner/ dinner lady/ barmaid. I have lost one of my jobs and the other doesn't pay if I can't work. Now lost my working tax credits because I am not working enough hours. I have persistent abcesses on groin and coccyx, long-term antibiotics and another operation to come."

Thanks to Susan for sharing this with us.

Daniel's Story

"I was laid off in November 2012 from a council contract.  I have been looking for work until I had an accident to my right lower leg in June 2013 and I received ESA.  I had to go into hospital for an operation and this was postponed by 3 weeks, meanwhile my benefits were stopped.  I have now had the operation but I have been told I cannot have any Jobseekers Allowance until later in the month.  I am currently on crutches and not really fit for work as I am a driver.  I plan to appeal against the refusal of ESA.  I have applied for Disability Living Allowance and was told I would be interviewed at home, however nobody came and I was not contacted"

We thank Daniel for sharing his story with the West Cheshire Foodbank.

Nicholas' Story

"Unemployed and unable to find any work. On basic level ESA. Desperate to keep present home but insufficient income to make ends meet. Debts of water rates and council tax. Advised to seek support from appropriate agency for debt support. Has problems with both mental and physical health."

Our thanks to Nicholas for wanting to share his story and to the volunteer who took notes on his behalf.

Scott's Story

"I was stopped ESA following an assessment after a knee operation. At the time I was unable to work and I was using crutches but didn't receive any points to continue to qualify for ESA. On the 18th of June my benefits completely stopped. I have not received any money since. I visited [a local advice charity] who are supporting me and have written to jobcentre plus about my situation and that I am not fit enough for work at present. They gave me a voucher for food. Prior to problems with my knees I have worked for various employers and was also in the army for two and a half years. I would like to work if I was not suffering with knee problems. I have ongoing appointments, treatment and possibly further surgery."

Our thanks to Scott for sharing his story with us.