to ask all the skint and struggling people: what would help you the most?

[dreamingbohemian]

I think it's clear that a lot of people are struggling right now. I'm on the thread about parents going without food and it's terrible what some people are going through.

It's also clear that there are a lot of judgmental attitudes, and that the government is not all that interested in tackling the problem.

But you can also see a lot of people are sympathetic and want to help, and are horrified that we are returning to a situation where people have to go without food.

There have been a number of good ideas on that thread, but I thought it might be good to start a new thread to not just talk about the problem, but about how we can all try to do something about it -- whether it's signing petitions, putting pressure on the government, or volunteering or donating in our local communities.

So AIBU to start by asking people who are struggling right now to talk about the top one or two things that would help them out the most? So that we are not focusing our attention on things that might not be the most helpful?

Or, on the flip side, is anyone engaged in anything right now that seems to be helping a lot of people?

I don't want to just be horrified, I want to do something...

I'm not that poor, but I am on benefits. All I want is A JOB. This really shouldn't be too much to ask, I am qualified in a specific scientific area and I am more competent than a lot of people I know who have jobs. I don't think it is 'entitlement' to want a job, actually I think it is a basic human right to be able to provide for yourself and your family. However it seems that people prefer to blame people who don't have jobs than the employers who refuse to give them on silly grounds (e.g. disability, having young children, both of which count against me). I would like the government to bring in a job guarantee for all people who want one, that they will at the least be given a job at the minimum wage which is commensurate with their experience/qualifications in as far as possible. This would actually be cheaper than benefits because they would be getting labour in exchange for paying out the same amount. But no, they would rather cut jobs then bitch about people on benefits, so it's not going to happen. That really is all I want though.

I find it's the cost of gas and electricity that's crippling. I've tried shopping around but still end up switching the heating off to save money. I've also been in a position where I am trying to help a friend who has run out of money, even though she works full time and claims no benefits. I would take advantage of BOGOFs and share them with her, or offer to drive somewhere "for the ride".

Stranded I think a lot of people do understand.

I'd love a new job or second job so that I can have enough hours to earn a basic living. Doesn't look like it's going to happen though. Job hunting is soul destroying isn't it?

What a good idea for a thread OP.

Just in relation to buying food - I do find meat is much much cheap at our local abattoir. It is open to public and trade and I get extremely cheap chicken, mince and beef. Once a month trip to fill the freezer.

I also find veg/fruit is far cheaper in the market and compared to the supermarket (but I believe it varies depending on the area).

I often give things away on freecycle (a young mum-to-be had my dd's 0-6 month clothes).

I have also 'given' my points card for one of the supermarkets to a friend who was struggling over Xmas due to her DH loosing his job. There was nearly £30 on it which I'd built up over the year which I hadn't missed/known how much, and she was very grateful when I popped it in a card and said not to mention it again.

Part of a bigger picture just scares me, that as an apparently 'wealthy' country, there are so many people struggling, I also wish I could do more for others . Will certainly look in to the 'political' side to lobby for more support.

Back for ideas and with thoughts to share later ...

(Just off to check out that other thread you mentioned too )

Yay curtainrail, hope you get it and the landowners nice.

A Job

Theres an ethical living section whoich covers a fair bit
Not that the two are necessarily the same thing of course
ethical

also codes and vouchers

credit crunch

They seem to add bits all the time so there may be more

and of course you might need gardening

Yes, I need a (new) job too Henry

Other than that I could do without being fined ( on the train for wrong ticket though I tried to buy the right one, for driving at 36mph, though I try to drive safely - may be able to go to a safety talk instead of fine - and fairly crippling charges from bank for going over over-draft limit )

These things are so depressing when you're already struggling somewhat financially

curtainrail, that reminds me...

I floated this idea on the other thread -- does anyone think there's any value in having a sticky thread here on MN that could function as a sort of MN freecyle?

People could post when they have things to give away... and maybe unlike freecycle, people could also post services they were looking for or could contribute?

I was thinking this might get around the reluctance of so many people to ask for help -- maybe people wouldn't feel so bad accepting things if they could do something in return, like proofreading someone's CV or helping them with some coursework.

Or people could post about some of the things mentioned here, the guerrilla gardeners, food banks... or people could post looking for ride shares, or people to start doing bulk shopping with...

It wouldn't have to be about the haves/have nots, more just all of us helping each other.

What do you think? Is it a daft idea?

I'm with Wibbly on this. All I'd like is a job. I don't need handouts, I just want to provide for my DS without living on a tiny wage and maintenance payments. I'm a nurse and I can't get a 9-3 Mon to Fri job anywhere. I work on the bank at the local hospital, and if I get one shift a month I'm doing well. I have applied for loads of things recently, but so far nothing.
It's a bit depressing.

I like your idea Wibbly - to give everyone who wants one a job at the minimum wage that's commensurate with their qualifications and experience as far as possible (this could be P/T). ie. pay me the minimum wage to work 16 hours a week in a Nursery School (have teaching and early years qualifications)

• That would be great !

But it's not just jobs right? Even people with jobs are struggling because wages are too low and the cost of living is too high.

How about if the government introduces price fixing (set at a low rate) on staple goods and chicken. I've seen it work in other countries and it would mean that all classes could eat well.

Not just jobs really. I am looking for either a second job or a full time job. Preferably something that would lift what we have to live on into double figures.

Ooh keep me updated