Working for the NHS and still needing the food bank

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

"It's a struggle," Paul says, sitting in a busy church hall with his three children. Aged five, eight and 10, they are blissfully unaware of what their dad is saying.

Having worked for the NHS for nine years, the 46-year-old is currently the only breadwinner in the family. He has been on the picket line, seeking better pay.

Only four years ago, he and his young family were homeless. After months in temporary accommodation, they were given a council home in Wythenshawe. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. The Christie hospital coder says his family is in a better place now.

Financially though, things have been harder, especially since energy bills went up last year. "We used to top up £40 a week," he says. "Now it's £70 to £80. "But when you've got kids, you need to keep the house warm." Living just around the corner, he saw a sign outside St Lukes Church in Benchill advertising the food bank which is based in the building on Saturday mornings.