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<blockquote data-quote="JRT" data-source="post: 2321596" data-attributes="member: 520947"><p>I agree,I would say that this thread is one of the things that has kept me grounded. More than anything this thread and a conversation with diabetes uk in mid summer made me feel as though I hadn't totally lost the plot! I think summer was a particularly problematical time. Everyone seemed to be intent on back to normal and at that time I remember being reduced to tears by mixed messages and doubting my own judgement. </p><p>I suppose my strength was the knowledge of issues outside my own dilemma. I knew the protective ring Matt Hancock said had been thrown around care homes was a downright lie,one that even shocked a cynic like me. Of course over the past months more deception and incompetence has come to light.</p><p>Gradually issues are being highlighted from long covid to the benefits system. Today there is an article in the Guardian about the issues faced by those who have lost their jobs and are not entitled to Universal Credit due to having savings. They seemed surprised, maybe even outraged that savings put aside for pensions or mortgages etc would have to be spent elsewhere. To be fair to them they have just followed the rules. Of course if you havent had recent dealings with the benefit system you may still believe it's a genuine safety net. Over the past decade their has been an abundance of poverty and benefits "porn",recipients are lazy,feckless,living a life of luxury etc etc. A whole myth has been built up around a small number of cases. The introduction of Universal Credit was heralded as making work pay. In reality it's rather like the old workhouse, you have to be in dire straits to engage with it. Hence the zero hours economy etc, Universal Credit as a safety net is not fit for purpose. Those who access foodbanks are not those who spend money on White Lightening and roll ups,increasingly they are employed, nurses ,teachers,especially if only one income. UC will not cover all of your rent or mortgage. At a time of low unemployment many may be able to scrape by,during a pandemic?</p><p>Last night on Newsnight they were discussing the government's refusal to continue with free school lunches outside of term time. There was a Tory Mp and a lady whose name I dont know who has been very involved over the years with Social Policy and deprivation. Tory MP blustering on about benefits system a protective safety net and how parents just need to manage etc. Woman argued with calmness but great passion that these were extraordinary times where rules have changed and the amount needed to stop childeren starving was tiny. It ended with her mentioning charity efforts. Which of course the government will love. How long will it be before we are back to Victorian times and those in unfortunate circumstances are reliant on the mercy of the parish?</p><p>All of this may seem a little off topic. In explanation my background is Social Policy and Social Work,Psychology and Education. In the last decade I spent years as a carer for my parents and saw how services were eroded to breaking point. After their death I worked in Research and Campaigns for CAB. I've seen first hand the discrepancy between the headlines and reality. Although that hasn't made my current situation much easier it has helped retain my sanity. As a vulnerable group we are treated callously, but we are not alone. I do feel however that for anyone who is now in need of support whether it be benefits, work rights,access to mental health support etc they are in for a very unpleasant surprise.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="JRT, post: 2321596, member: 520947"] I agree,I would say that this thread is one of the things that has kept me grounded. More than anything this thread and a conversation with diabetes uk in mid summer made me feel as though I hadn't totally lost the plot! I think summer was a particularly problematical time. Everyone seemed to be intent on back to normal and at that time I remember being reduced to tears by mixed messages and doubting my own judgement. I suppose my strength was the knowledge of issues outside my own dilemma. I knew the protective ring Matt Hancock said had been thrown around care homes was a downright lie,one that even shocked a cynic like me. Of course over the past months more deception and incompetence has come to light. Gradually issues are being highlighted from long covid to the benefits system. Today there is an article in the Guardian about the issues faced by those who have lost their jobs and are not entitled to Universal Credit due to having savings. They seemed surprised, maybe even outraged that savings put aside for pensions or mortgages etc would have to be spent elsewhere. To be fair to them they have just followed the rules. Of course if you havent had recent dealings with the benefit system you may still believe it's a genuine safety net. Over the past decade their has been an abundance of poverty and benefits "porn",recipients are lazy,feckless,living a life of luxury etc etc. A whole myth has been built up around a small number of cases. The introduction of Universal Credit was heralded as making work pay. In reality it's rather like the old workhouse, you have to be in dire straits to engage with it. Hence the zero hours economy etc, Universal Credit as a safety net is not fit for purpose. Those who access foodbanks are not those who spend money on White Lightening and roll ups,increasingly they are employed, nurses ,teachers,especially if only one income. UC will not cover all of your rent or mortgage. At a time of low unemployment many may be able to scrape by,during a pandemic? Last night on Newsnight they were discussing the government's refusal to continue with free school lunches outside of term time. There was a Tory Mp and a lady whose name I dont know who has been very involved over the years with Social Policy and deprivation. Tory MP blustering on about benefits system a protective safety net and how parents just need to manage etc. Woman argued with calmness but great passion that these were extraordinary times where rules have changed and the amount needed to stop childeren starving was tiny. It ended with her mentioning charity efforts. Which of course the government will love. How long will it be before we are back to Victorian times and those in unfortunate circumstances are reliant on the mercy of the parish? All of this may seem a little off topic. In explanation my background is Social Policy and Social Work,Psychology and Education. In the last decade I spent years as a carer for my parents and saw how services were eroded to breaking point. After their death I worked in Research and Campaigns for CAB. I've seen first hand the discrepancy between the headlines and reality. Although that hasn't made my current situation much easier it has helped retain my sanity. As a vulnerable group we are treated callously, but we are not alone. I do feel however that for anyone who is now in need of support whether it be benefits, work rights,access to mental health support etc they are in for a very unpleasant surprise. [/QUOTE]
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