10 years old and living in poverty - channel 5 now

[PonyoLovesHam]

Is anyone watching?

Interesting viewing especially following the recent threads on MN about kids not having Xmas presents. An 8 year old girl was just shown having noodles to eat 3 days a week, telling her mum there's nothing in the fridge.

I know this happens, I've worked with families with these problems, but it's still heartbreaking. Our local food bank I donate to is shutting down because it's being seen as a long term fix (by the council) rather than a short term solution which is what the volunteers who set it up intended it to be :(

Thing is Joffrey, there are schemes for boilers etc? We live in a pretty deprived area and were constantly getting leaflets through about free boiler schemes. (We don't qualify though, damn!)

Maybe it's a regional thing.

Joffrey sorry about how your parents spoke to you.

Ah, it's fine.

Just means I make an extra effort to tell DS and his friends how clever/awesome/creative they all are. I can boost up the next generation instead!

Definitely! All kids deserve a boost of confidence

(Except my auto correct changed it to boot of confidence, how funny )

Blondeshavemorefun families didn't receive anything for doing this wasn't about getting paid it was bringing to light the issues that are out there life is getting better slowly but surely for my mate n 2 kids she still trying to find work and noodles is not everyday' filming took place over a long period of time wot u c on the screens is at the lowest moments in life not everyday life
we all struggle whether we work or are on benefits it takes a strong person to show people the hard times and that don't come easy what channel 5 failed to mention was that she had just moved into a new flat not long before(we say new was a shit hole that she made homely)Its not easy to see people talking of her or the other families as they are, we all struggle just don't show it

PonyoLovesHam to true the home work i have seen these kids do is amazing an trust me when they will turn out fantastic adults with a good out look on life that is PRICELESS an a mothers wish for all

I really hope they do turn out like that sweettalker, but do you think it's the mothers job to build them up and speak to them in a positive way rather than then way she was? I know we only see a few mins of their lives but the lad looked so worn down with everything.
Glad to hear things are getting better for them tho.

Well I don't think she's a shit mum because she shouted a bit and knowing how editing works, she probably shouted a few times over a few weeks but they were edited together to look like it was constant.

We are not poor. But stress is horrendous and I went through a 2 yr period of massive stress following the birth of my 3rd child and my mother being killed by a drunk driver within days of each other. My older two suffered hugely during those 2yrs as my stress levels were out of control and I was permanently angry and upset. It was hideous.
My DH grew up in some of the worst poverty I have ever seen in the sort if place that even the police avoid after dark. He says his childhood was very stressful because his mother spent so much time crying and working.

Sorry, that should read, crying and worrying.

PonyoLovesHam she does bring them up in as positive way as any1 can do under pressure, i am glad u can understand that it is only a few mins of their lives that you see, n in them few mins unfortunatly she has been portrayed as the evil witch of the west as for her son i know he has his own problems with bullying at school hence looking a bit worn down but as a mother she does her best n feels'nknows their troubles x all we can do is hope life carries on upwards

NancyJones feel for u x keep your chin up an stay strong its the only way to live x life wasn't meant to be easy (it would dull ) all we can do is our best ....not every one was given a good start all we can do is make a change an keep up the long fight to make things better

oop's it would be dull' i meant .....before the trolls come out

I thought the two mums were atleast trying. I have always worked and sometimes it doesn't make you better off, sometimes worse off.
The mum with 2 kids, clearly was trying, and her kids seemed sweet, and they only edit it to make good tv, I'm sure I have yelled at my kids when they are moaning about food, when all I have what's left in the fridge and enough cash for a few basics.
The single mum with one kid was trying hard but sadly when you have a house you own, help isn't so forth coming.

The dad, was a lazy twat, playing the system. He had a van and a shop and I don't believe for a second all those kids lived in that house that poor girl will be bullied like hell for that tv show for a long time.

There is a new facebook group, where you can ask for help for people as well as donate. You will be put in touch with the person and arrange to send stuff between you. You must read the rules, as you have to go through the admin to offer stuff. Then they put out a post detailing the offer. They've just done a shoebox appeal for those in need. It's refreshing to see help for people in this country. Here is the link www.facebook.com/groups/773290102718693/?fref=ts

Sorry to say
Most of it is a setup I know somebody on next week benifit Britan who basically had a script to follow
When we informed Chanel 5 that we knew what was going on and would inform the press we wher threatend with a lawyer
Benifits cut by 50% but spending £400 on a trip to London £200 on an toy car
Forgets about the other 4 kids in care
Nead I go on

@Marcus, the thing is, there are many kinds of poverty. In this Country, and the standard of living that most people have is good or great, so when you fall below that, i.e not having good nutritious meals, not so good clothes, that is real poverty to these people! Just because in other countries the standard of poverty is so much worse, doesn't make it any less terrible when you are used to good standards and could probably live next door to a family who have 10 times the amount of food or money as you do. If you did not feel genuinely sorry and upset for these families then I am gob smacked. And may I point out, just because someone is over weight, it does not mean they are eating too much! There are many reasons for this. I felt awful for all of them.

It was sad and I think people who own their own houses are often in a worse position as they are responsible for repairs. One of the main problems seemed to be the roof. But really most people would struggle to support 7 children. I would have thought that £500 a week would be enough if they are living rent free.

chunk your story was lovely. I'm glad things turned out well for her

i didn't get to watch all of this program , but what I saw saddened me. No matter how much parents mis-manage their very tight finances, its not the fault of the children. My heart goes out to these children, wish there was something we could all do, a little really does go a long way. x

I know the tv programme is meant to show viewers what life is like - I'm just surprised that the show doesn't help them out as well :(

Until nmw goes up to Least £8/9 then for some even if they work they won't be better off

The man with 7 children. Why can't he get a job even at nights as granny there. Found it very say they were trawling the streets for broken furniture :(

All children were polite and hope they get out of the vicious circle of poverty when they are older or they will be their mum in 10yrs time

Watched this last night, and felt heartbroken. The little girl in London so well spoken and very aware of her situation. The part where she said she heard her mother crying from the bedroom made me want to cry myself.

All the children, especially the ones selling toys to help with their roof fund - the young girl was amazingly grounded.

I intend to make my daughter watch this, and really appreciate what she has.

nev1973 - If what you say is true the other 7 children would have been removed by Social Services. Are you genuine ? If not then what you say is potentially libelous.

@Marcus121
Correct! This program is a joke, been watching it for 10mins & the kids & parents are overweight, I also saw a sky remote on the table, one parent is buying a house!
Call that poverty, I'm English and was brought up in the 70's in England. We wouldn't have anything like what the family's get nowadays. We just got on with it and didn't feel sorry for ourselves like they are made to do now.
Spoilt to death, if they was really struggling then they would do something about it like get rid of the 42" TV, you can pick up free TV's on gumtree.
Sell new laptop and go to the library
Stop paying for SKY
Eat less, will help them to find the energy to do more rather than being sat of the settee
Stop drinking & smoking
Loose the mobile phone & phone contract
Stop having more kids
Loose the car, and walk to the corner shop and school
cancel the virgin broadband - all the other broadband providers are cheaper
They don't realise how good they have it, but the poor kids have been brain washed.

@Tezbez83
Sorry pal but I disagree, you become overweight because you are eating lots and eating well, not the opposite way round
I know if you sit about all day then the weight is harder to loose also
and anxiety can cause weight gain but still you have to be well fed to become that large.
The family was well fed, they could do with putting the food and petrol money, road tax, car insurance money to better use.

The dad of 7 kids could apply to be rehoused quite easily if his mother gave him notice. With all those kids he would get band b I imagine.