Benefit sanctions

The thing about the consequences of the decision to appeal, or let it go, is that whatever you decide, there are consequences. For my loved one, the stress of an appeal was something she simply didn't feel able to cope with, at the same time as managing her own health, it's treatments, and her husband's illness. It's a nightmare situation, affecting people at their most vulnerable. My anger is directed at a flawed, cruel, system, not those at its mercy.

There was something on the radio this afternoon about a man who had an operation for cancer of the throat and was unable to work.

He and his wife filled in the forms for disability benefit and heard nothing for ten months, during which time they amassed a sizeable debt.

They were short of money at exactly the time they needed it since the man needed special things to eat.

Finally they were awarded an extra £40 a week, £20 of which went on repaying the debt.

Tough love is often long on tough and short on love. A bit of kindness and understanding goes a long way!

Heard on the radio today that there is going to be the first clothes bank in conjunction with a food bank in Brandon, near Durham.
The woman who set it up said that she had heard a boy tell his mum that he had holes in his shoes. She told him that they would have to put cardboard in, because his sister needed shoes more than he did.
They are going to be open every four weeks, and will open the next one in Stanley. They have been inundated with clothes.
I find it quite appalling that this should be happening in this country, the sixth richest in the world, so we keep being told.

That's heartbreaking, durhamjen. It's going back to the 30s and I thought this country was supposed to be doing so well, so our politicians tell us!!
I also heard this week on the radio, that a large percentage of people who have been put on the new benefits system have waited 10 months for their money.
We seem to be getting very conflicting messages about the economy and unemployment. I don't know where to go to get a clear picture, but so many people seem to be suffering, it's a very depressing world out there.

Iam64 and petallus you have made me see the errors of my way. Next time I see someone who could do with help I will pass by on the other side. What a terrible person I must be not to see that my motives were so wrong.

Not the first food bank to be supplying clothes Durhamjen our local 'unofficial' one (backed by the Round Table) has been doing it for some time, although the more formal one (backed by local churches) is food only and only serves those with an official referral. Our local WFI group, having consulted with both food banks, is collecting nearly new party clothes - worn last Christmas and outgrown by original owners - so that the children will be able to attend their school parties, etc. We have also been asked to donate toiletries, from shower gel and shampoo down to basics like toilet rolls and sanitary protection. Both food banks are also currently looking for Christmas goodies to make up hampers for the worst off of the families known to them.

Nannyfran you are asking where to get a clear picture of the reality. Well why not pop into your nearest food bank, (with a donation of course ) and speak to some of the lovely volunteers who work there? DD2 and her DH have been making a short film for one of our food banks, which will be used to promote their work and encourage donations from groups such as Women's Guilds, Youth & Community Groups. The film-makers biggest surprise has been to discover what cheerful, positive places the food banks are.

As individuals, we can do little politically other than lobby MPs and sign petitions but there is nothing to stop us taking some direct action locally where we see an injustice.

Sorry, Granny23, I meant the first clothes bank connected with a food bank in the North East, as it said on the news tonight. They have now said they will open up every fortnight, not every month, as there is the demand.
It's on the news now as I type.

Had to leave this yesterday to see to dinner preparation. I will take your advice when I get a chance, Granny23, and we always make a donation when our local supermarket has a collection. I wish I could help in a more practical way, and have done for 2 charities in the past, but we are not on a bus route and I don't drive much anymore.
I agree about the political aspect, which is what I was really questioning, and I sign petitions and donate to 38 degrees, but I get very demoralised about the injustice in today's world.