The cost of living crisis is well and truly upon us as the new tax year begins and increases in bills set to kick in this month.
For some, the increase in rent, bills and supermarket shops will mean less of life's pleasures. But for some, who already rely on food banks for meals and government support, the increases are terrifying.
Perry’s Pantry Foodbank in Didsbury helps more than 50 families across south Manchester, including one woman, Claire (not her real name), who is struggling to cope with debt, lack of income, and mental health issues. Read more:'I volunteer at a foodbank in Didsbury- and I think I might need it one day too' Claire first started receiving food bank parcels last summer after she was referred to Perry’s Pantry following a decline in her mental health.
Despite working two jobs and having recently completed her PHD, Claire still found herself without funds for food. “I started a PHD years ago, then I ended up in hospital, I was sectioned two times in quite a small space of time, and I then had to go back to university part time and I’ve had other interruptions in the middle of it.
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