Poverty in the UK

[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!