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

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.

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.

Luke's Story

"Luke was on Disability Living Allowance. This changed to Personal Independence Payment and the lady that assessed Luke said that it would only take a week to 10 days for the change. 10 months later he was still waiting.  

Luke only receives £72 a fortnight from Employment and Support Allowance.  He has depression and cancer and has been in and out of hospital.  Both SA and DIAL house has been involved to try and chase this situation up but Luke keeps being told it is being dealt with."

Thanks Luke for sharing your story with West Cheshire Foodbank.