Countdown to Freedom

Greying_Pilgrim

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS wrote: »

I haven't mentioned Food-banks for a while but their needs keep rising. At some point, I'm hoping there may be a healthy debate between increased usage of Food-banks and benefit changes. I'd urge anyone who can, to donate something - none of us know what lies around the corner and those struggling to cope can swiftly move to not being able to cope.

Hear, Hear Tilly. That is the one charitable donation that I do regularly, and I always make sure it is done at the start of the month, rather than seeing 'what I have left' at the end. Our FBank has a list of 'most wanted' items, that is online to view 24/7 and I happily donate LL Semi-skimmed milk, as it seems to be a perpetual on the list

Greying

julliff

Hi :hello:

Just been reading and catching up. Had alook at the heated airer, and although it looks good, I would be worried about condensation. I never dry anything on the radiators for that reason (apart from the final airing off if stuff is almost dry).

Tilly, well done on your CAP involvment. It really is a worrying state of affairs. My daughter who is at Uni in Manchester tells me there are whole families living on the streets. It is so sad that so many are struggling, and we should all try to help where we can.

Gr33ng1ng3r

There is certainly a huge debate to be had and is ongoing. Maybe something to bring up on the doorstep when the potential councillors come knocking for your vote in the next few weeks!

Like many on MSE we just add a small % of our grocery spend to buy something for food banks and in my job I refer a couple of families a week. Many feel embarrassed to ask for help - particularly if they are working and still struggling. And contrary to some reports, it isn't easy to just rock up to a food bank and get free food week after week. Whatever donors can afford to give, the food bank volunteers will ensure it is used wisely!

With best wishes to you and your family, Tilly.

[Deleted User]

Good reminder Tilly - off to raid the cupboards as there is one within walking distance (I shall try and dodge the showers this afternoon!! ) I remember as a kid getting assistance from places like that and so I always make sure I put "treats" like chocolate biscuits and nice tea bags (instead of the value ones) in !

As you say- you never know what life can throw at you or how things can change....

Hope your tumble dryer is all fixed- up now! :rotfl:

shala_moo

Gr33ng1ng3r wrote: »

And contrary to some reports, it isn't easy to just rock up to a food bank and get free food week after week. Whatever donors can afford to give, the food bank volunteers will ensure it is used wisely!

Thanks for this Gr33n, I think there was an article in a certain newspaper the other day saying that anyone is getting free hand-outs if they go and ask (i'm sure it does happen in a few cases but not as often as they make out).. those sort of articles put people off donating and it's then the people who need help that suffer!


I definitely think it's easier to donate these days too.. our local supermarkets all have a big box at the end of the checkouts and a list of items they need.

brizzledfw

Makes me so angry that in our wealthy country people have to resort to handouts as they are desperate. Shocking and agree with challenging any politician that visits the door/ emails etc. Twitter us also a great way of making public a query or a challenge!

A timely reminder Tilly. I will drop some tins and cartons this week at my local hardware store who collect for the Trussell Trust.

Have a good eve x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Alchemilla wrote: »

I would love to hear about CAP.

Hi Alchemilla, it's an organisation that quietly does a lot of good. They are working to help people who are in debt both in terms of practical steps now but also to help educate (not in a patronising way) for the future, plus they have a job club now - it's really positive to see the help given. Practical help administered with respect and consideration. Some lessons which perhaps the DWP teams could learn from. Apologies to any DWP employees reading but having worked with multiple teams across their organisation and having seen first hand the treatment Mr T received, it's pretty disheartening. Equally though, I'm sure they must see a whole side of life that is pretty harsh.

https://www.capuk.org/

I made contact with them a few weeks ago and its good to see how/where my work skills may be useful/practically helpful to them.

Finally this is not a Christian supporting Christian org - support is available to anyone facing real hardship.

I just deleted a lengthy paragraph as I felt I was getting too political :eek:

Mr T is calling me as we are off to walk the hounds - have a good week and let's hope the sun shines occasionally.

Best wishes, Tilly x

LydiaJ

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS wrote: »

I'm getting involved with Christians Against Poverty, early days and what a quiet but powerful contribution they are making.

What a great idea! Hope you and they can work out how it will be fit for you to help. :T

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS wrote: »

Finally this is not a Christian supporting Christian org - support is available to anyone facing real hardship.

They are top of Martin's list of people to turn to if you're in debt crisis and need one to one help. He describes them like this:

Debt counselling agency, which specialises in helping those who are emotionally struggling too. The religious focus is why they do it, not how they do it.

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi Tahlullah, I'm certainly no expert as its early days in terms of discussing how my skills can help but thanks for the feedback. It all helps to enable me to understand how they operate.

Anything which starts healthy debates is fine with me

Lydia, I hadn't realised they were top of :money: list for organisations to turn to. Apparently there is an increase in people contacting them to volunteer, with both public and corporate/private sector backgrounds; it will be interesting to see what this brings to them.

Tilly x x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Evening, NSD achieved, apart from a train ticket for Mr T and that's expenses and I'm not counting it

More peas planted - I've told my hounds to leave them alone :rotfl:

Loads of herbs planted - I use quite a variety in salads and the lettuces/salad leaves are going great guns.

Everything is under cloches at the moment as still too cold - parts of today were ally chilly/windy and the next moment the sun would come out and it was glorious.

Busy week ahead but they all seem to be the same these days. I'm cutting my hours down to a maximum of 45/50 and will see how many weeks I can keep it to that. In addition, I'm only doing calls one night and one early morning per week. Who knows how long this will last but if I don't do something, the hours will continue to rise. I've done this in the past but too much 'scope creep' and I'm back working like a lunatic.

Looking forward to payday shuffles tomorrow :T:T

Menu planning moved to Tuesday. Two nights out planned this week and both NS evenings . Looking forward to Friday already, in the knowledge that we have a long weekend.

Night all, Tilly x