Poverty in the UK

[Rosie1958]

There have been some excellent responses raised in this thread so thank you to everyone for your contributions.

Sadly, there are so many vulnerable people in our society who are struggling like they have never struggled before because the social welfare system has let them down or they find it impossible to make ends meet. Unfortunately, there are flaws in the system that are causing a lot of misery and there is a lack of support These are the genuine people that are vulnerable and cannot work because they are elderly, too sick or infirm, mentally or physically disabled, caring full time for someone else who is sick, homeless and without an address (which these days makes it impossible to get a job), and so the list goes on.

Understanding that poverty exists in the UK is hard to comprehend, unless you have seen it for yourself. Although deprived areas are visible, actual living in poverty cannot be seen from the road. Unfortunately, I have seen it for myself whilst visiting people in their homes, I know that others in this forum have done too. It is heart-wrenching and I find it hard to swallow that many others in the country that are in a position to help just do not want to know or ignore it.

It is a sad fact that places of poverty exist all over the world where people don’t have the means to feed themselves. Without help from others, they will not exist. Fortunately, there are some wonderfully giving people in this country who do help both abroad and here in the UK as we also need to look after our own too. I find it incomprehensible that people prefer to help animals through the support of charities rather than helping human beings in crisis.

Food banks have been set up and are growing fast as there is a need. To obtain food, people have to be in contact with an “agency” (citizens advice, GP, etc.) that can help them and some form of token is issued. I believe they are given out in emergencies and are not regularly given to subsidise the cost of living. It’s all about giving your neighbour a helping hand, without judgement.

[Terpe]

Well put Rosie.....

According to a report on our local radio station, those providers of welfare benefits/payments have also sent folks to food banks out of sheer frustration with the 'system' they're supposed to work with.

Last week groups of children from the local primary school went about the village with baskets of food for the elderly as part of the harvest festival activities.
Some of the teachers were so shocked at what they found in a few cases that Adult Social Care were immediately contacted and it was they who organised additional 3-day 'packs' from local food banks for some.
Seems even the neighbours had no idea. Sign of the times I guess.

On the positive side a neighbourhood group has been formed with the aim to ensure that at least twice weekly visits will be made to the vunerable elderly. Not all of whom are living alone.
It made me feel ashamed, especially having been a carer for my dad and knowing just how difficult simple things can become.

I've joined the group, but not been asked to make any visits just yet.
Maybe that will come as some volunteers drop out.

[Rosie1958]

Well put Rosie.....

According to a report on our local radio station, those providers of welfare benefits/payments have also sent folks to food banks out of sheer frustration with the 'system' they're supposed to work with.

Last week groups of children from the local primary school went about the village with baskets of food for the elderly as part of the harvest festival activities.
Some of the teachers were so shocked at what they found in a few cases that Adult Social Care were immediately contacted and it was they who organised additional 3-day 'packs' from local food banks for some.
Seems even the neighbours had no idea. Sign of the times I guess.

On the positive side a neighbourhood group has been formed with the aim to ensure that at least twice weekly visits will be made to the vunerable elderly. Not all of whom are living alone.
It made me feel ashamed, especially having been a carer for my dad and knowing just how difficult simple things can become.

I've joined the group, but not been asked to make any visits just yet.
Maybe that will come as some volunteers drop out.

What a sad and shocking situation, thank you for sharing that Terpe. I applaud you for helping in the way that you are and I am also taking a personal initiative too.

Even the police are visiting the food banks to obtain parcels for those in desperate need. It isn’t their role to do so but thankfully human kindness and a compassion for others creeps in.

[SimonH]

Well put Rosie.....

According to a report on our local radio station, those providers of welfare benefits/payments have also sent folks to food banks out of sheer frustration with the 'system' they're supposed to work with.

Last week groups of children from the local primary school went about the village with baskets of food for the elderly as part of the harvest festival activities.
Some of the teachers were so shocked at what they found in a few cases that Adult Social Care were immediately contacted and it was they who organised additional 3-day 'packs' from local food banks for some.
Seems even the neighbours had no idea. Sign of the times I guess.

On the positive side a neighbourhood group has been formed with the aim to ensure that at least twice weekly visits will be made to the vunerable elderly. Not all of whom are living alone.
It made me feel ashamed, especially having been a carer for my dad and knowing just how difficult simple things can become.

I've joined the group, but not been asked to make any visits just yet.
Maybe that will come as some volunteers drop out.

What a sad tale, but unfortunately an all too familiar one. A lot of that generation are too proud to ask, the total opposite to a lot of the scum today who hold their hand out whether they need it or not

[robbie bobby]

What a sad tale, but unfortunately an all too familiar one. A lot of that generation are too proud to ask, the total opposite to a lot of the scum today who hold their hand out whether they need it or not

While we have a system which is vulnerable to abuse there will always be those who will benefit.I know of many who get benefits and still work cash in hand. We are all paying for it in some way or another in our taxes. Surely if you are on benefits you shouldn't have enough to buy the latest phone, shouldnt have enough to have a nice car. I was on benefits for a few months a while back and I can tell you it's no holiday. I HAD TO get the weekly shopping in from Iceland. I HAD TO walk everywhere coz I couldn't afford a bus and I barely had credit in my phone. I don't care what anyone says, if you are on benefits and still manage the luxuries in life YOU ARE FIDDLING!