A grandmother of 23 has revealed the struggle she faces living in poverty, often going to bed hungry due to financial difficulties. The 51-year-old woman from Leigh in Wigan shared her story with Manchester Evening News, detailing how even basic necessities like food have become a luxury for her. She expressed the emotional toll of her situation, saying, “I try and take every day as it comes, but I’ve found myself where I’ve not been able to get out of bed because I can’t see past anything other than the situation I’m in.”
Last year marked the beginning of her severe financial troubles as rising prices made it increasingly challenging to make ends meet. She described how she had to resort to extreme measures like walking instead of using public transport to save money, but still, it wasn’t enough to cover her bills. To cope with her dire circumstances, she turned to the local Household Support Fund, a crucial source of assistance for many individuals facing financial hardship.
The Household Support Fund provides essential aid to those struggling with bills or on a low income, offering food vouchers for food banks and financial assistance for utilities. The grandmother underscored the importance of this support, mentioning how the vouchers and financial aid she received were a lifeline during tough times. However, with the fund set to expire on September 30, many like her fear losing this vital assistance that has been extended multiple times since its inception in 2021.
Reflecting on her experience with poverty, she acknowledged the challenges and stigma associated with seeking help, noting that while some may abuse the system, she only uses it when absolutely necessary. She expressed concern about the fund’s uncertain future, emphasising the impact losing this support would have on vulnerable individuals who rely on it. The potential extension of the fund offers a glimmer of hope for millions of households struggling to make ends meet amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Despite receiving support from organisations like Fair for You, which provides low-cost loans for essential purchases, the grandmother still faces significant debt with her energy provider and anticipates the distress of bailiffs knocking on her door. She bravely admitted to going hungry at times to ensure her grandchildren don’t face empty cupboards, highlighting the sacrifices she makes to provide for her family.
In response to the ongoing challenges faced by many in similar situations, a UK government spokesperson stated, “This government will tackle the scar of poverty by making sure work pays and improving support to help people into good work.” As the future of the Household Support Fund remains uncertain, individuals like the grandmother of 23 continue to navigate the harsh realities of poverty, hoping for continued assistance to weather the storm of financial hardship.