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Owen Sandford, 27, has expressed frustration regarding the government’s recent spring statement, stating, “It’s not very helpful really.” A recipient of universal credit, Sandford has been actively job hunting but faces significant challenges. “A lot of us have got kids,” he shared, as he stood near the jobcentre in Blackpool, a town marked by economic hardship. “There’s so many families that live in poverty, that can’t pay the bills and are getting into debt.”
He further lamented that government financial strategies fail to address the struggles faced by many, pointing to rising energy costs, increasing council taxes, and the escalating expenses of groceries. “The only thing not going up is my money,” he remarked.
In her recent statement, Rachel Reeves highlighted anticipated welfare reductions, signaling that the health component of universal credit may see a freeze or decrease, along with an ongoing review of the personal independence payment (PIP).
Lindsay Barlow, CEO of the charity Disability First in Blackpool, reported a climate of anxiety among the disabled community in the area concerning these changes. “We’ve received lots of emails and terrified phone calls,” she noted. Barlow recounted an instance where a couple with learning disabilities visited the charity seeking clarity on how the impending changes might impact their lives. “We get people who are in mental health crisis on the phone,” she added, emphasizing the pressing need for suicide awareness training among staff to support those deeply affected by these developments.
Statistics indicate that Blackpool has a notably high proportion of residents claiming disability benefits—around 17%. The health outcomes in the region also reflect widespread concern, as the town experiences higher rates of mental health diagnoses compared to the national average.
Health data showcases a stark reality; residents in Blackpool display lower life expectancies than the national average, and mortality rates are significantly elevated. This trend poses serious questions about public health initiatives in the town.
At Layton Methodist Church, volunteers provide essential services, assisting around 600 individuals weekly with needs ranging from free meals to budgeting workshops. They offer food shopping at drastically reduced prices, yet many still find it difficult to afford even these necessities. “People buy it the first couple of weeks after they get the benefit,” observed volunteer Jakki Garner, noting that families often struggle to sustain their purchases as benefits dwindle.
Diane Halstead, the church minister’s wife, expressed concern for parents who feel overwhelmed by their financial situations, leading to feelings of inadequacy. “They’ll feed the children, then they’ll end up not eating themselves,” she mentioned, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the community as they grapple with their economic reality.
As demand for assistance continues to rise, Garner anticipates that local charities and community centers will see an influx of people seeking support as government safety nets erode. “The welfare changes are going to affect us drastically,” she warned, predicting an increased reliance on food banks.
Community initiatives like The Big Food Project have seen remarkable engagement, reportedly distributing over 850,000 meals last year, with expectations to surpass one million meals this year. “People are already making choices concerning food and heating as benefit cuts loomed,” remarked chief executive Victoria Blakeman, stressing the compounded struggle of rising living costs.
In this Lancashire town, the challenge of poverty is omnipresent, impacting individuals across all ages. At a local drop-in center run by Streetlife, a 23-year-old father shared that his universal credit barely covers his food expenses, leaving him without stable housing. “I sleep here and there and everywhere, in the street,” he explained, revealing the daily struggles faced by many.
Another young man voiced his concerns over the diminishing government support, stating that without aid, his life would be in jeopardy. “I’d probably end up dead,” he articulated, capturing the stark reality of many residents.
Ken Rollinson, owner of Affordable Mobility, described the challenges encountered by his customers, some of whom are moved to tears by their financial constraints. He explained his policy of allowing installment payments to those unable to make upfront purchases. “Life here can be very difficult,” Rollinson said, reflecting on the emotional toll of financial insecurity. As a single father grappling with his health and financial obligations, he underscored the struggle of providing for his family amidst a lack of government support.
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
Source
www.theguardian.com