How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "It is days like today I wish I was availing of the £20 extra UC payment. I had an emergency today...

How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "I’m not sure if I am receiving the extra £20 as I live in Scotland. I find the fact that Universal cRedit continues to be based on the idea that you should be better off is a totally wrong approach in the current pandemic. People are at such great risk of losing their jobs, yes the furlough scheme is relevant here but surely UC should be reflecting the lack of part time flexible roles now available for single parents, people with disabilities and those that are considered to not have viable skills in this COVID world...

"Its that time of year again when I worry sick about providing a decent Christmas for my children on Universal Credit. While toys are not an essential thing, children do not know that...

"Monday, tho information is already in the press about what maybe askes of us and the new regulations I fear that once when not enough will be done. Who will enforced this? Will local authority's behave differantly than others due to money, facilities, unwillingness and staffing...

How have the new rules affected you?: "To be honest I do not have a issues with them other then maybe there not stright enough and what is happening was exspected. I get more anoyed by peoples complacency or unwillingness to just do the right thing, what is askes either if you do not agree, and the lack of enforcement for shops etc."...

What are your (and your kids') experiences of masks, and the rules around them?: "My kids (3 and 7) have embarrassed wearing masks. It had become apart of our lives...

How have the new rules affected you?: "I do not have a issues with them other than thoses that are not doing as they should. Though I know people who have had enough and finding everthink to much and people are getting complacent due to having enough of the rules askes upon them. My mum for one loves the distancing and it had helped her mental heath a great deal...

How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "To he honist I haven't haven't nosticed the £20 exstra. As prices increase, bills, rent, food etc and our benifts don't it will take more than £20 a week to see a differance...

"My biggest fear is the future of our children. Their education has suffered and Im still trying to help my 2 children catch up on all those lost months of work...

"Theres talk of another lockdown or an extended Halloween break for school deep cleaning. I couldnt cope with another bout of home schooling so the wee men and white coata may come and sign me in LOL as its just too difficult to go through that all again plus I dont think the local schools have put any measuees in place to deal with the stress and anxiety and uncertainity the children have had because of lockdown...

"Ive had great local support. Ive had a local MLA who doesnt even know me provide food parcels and I have a group willing to help with Christmas...

"My daddy has CoVid. He is 62...

"When the children are at school and in the interim of waiting on my iver the phone medical from UC to see if Im fit for work I am sitting day in and day out with no heating on to save money. I only put it on when my children are home or to dry clothes...

How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "i have as yet not receives the £20 UC increase. I know to a lot of people £20 seems like nothing but to me it is HUGE...

"It’s worrying to think babies born from February to July 2020 will be considered born during COVID 19 babies."

"Recently I have been forgetting my mask and it worries me, if I get a fine I might not be able to afford it. Of course everyone who’s lived without COVID 19 since they were born are not used to it...

"Well on Sunday came the email I was waiting for one of the children’s schools has a case of covid-19 and Two classes were affected and yes you got it one was my 7 year olds class so that’s him locked down in isolation till 19th of October , In the letter it said our child must do school work for the two weeks, join zoom every morning and collect work the next day from school, if your in receipt of free school meals we will be in touch to arrange food parcels and the collection of a chrome book. Well yet again this doesn’t apply to us as we get a little working tax credit. My 7 year old has additional needs he has a my support plan which I expect will be in the end an Ehcp , he has been on the waiting list over a year for an ADHD assessment ,This two week isolation has turned his little world upside down he can’t concentrate the change in routine is killing him and trying to get him to do his work is like trying to get blood from a stone impossible...

How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "Hello there. I am currently in receipt of legacy benefits, namely employment support allowance (support group) and personal independence payment (standard mobility and standard care)...

How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "We receive child tax credits and get penalised as we get working tax credits"

How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "Hi Ruth I have twice now claimed UC - once for a period in 2019 and then again from this summer. This second period I have benefited (no pun intended) from the temporary extra £20pw...

How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "We are capped on UC. I’m a widowed parent of two primary aged children...

"Finding things a bit difficult to cope with now the coronavirus cases are on the rise again. I have other health problems and worry about what will happen to my daughter if needed to go into hospital."...

"I’m not able to afford my rent this month. The debt from past benefit payments has been restarted, as a result we may become homeless.....

How have the new rules affected you?: "Not at all being a solo parent who cannot socialise due to restricted finances"

How have the new rules affected you?: "I'm in an area affected by the new rules - North Tyneside, part of the so-called LA7. Makes it sound all Hollywood, but it isn't...

"Its beginning to get cold. Even when the sun is shining, the house is cold...

"Another day and it feels the same. I am carrying a permanent feeling of unease...

"Found out today that my elderly neighbour had a stroke and is in hospital and likely not going to leave. I have actually never felt so sick with COVID than I am today as I can’t visit her - she visited my Gran when she was dying and cheered her up and yet COVID has taken away our chance to do the same...

Q10. How are you finding the latest lockdown restrictions?: "I've been lucky its not affected me or my family"...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "I think we should all be wearing them, apart from those like my self and two of my daughters who are exempt, but I do wear a face mask to help protect others"...

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "Its not affected me, but I do think its a good idea, it means town centres ect should be cleared of drinkers ect by midnight and stops mixing of people going on for hours"...

"Been an interesting day today my middle son anxiety level went over the top today, he is 11 and didn't want to go on the bus to school, he lost his bus pass etc. He decided to have a full blown argument with us and said if he missed his bus he would have to walk, which was just spur of the moment to try to get him to move, he missed his bus so I had to take him to school, then I had texts from him saying he had a poorly tummy, but he ended up being fine all day...

"Another thing that happened this week is that my middle son finally found a place of his own to rent and has moved all of his belongings out of the house. Whilst I'm happy for him and hope he is happy in his new home, what I found difficult about it all was the fact that he still feels very angry about being kicked out, would not allow me to hug him, would not tell me where he is moving to and some of the locks he gave me I classified as contemptuous...

"For once it feels I've had a really great week. It was my birthday last Monday I'm now 53 years old...

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "I insure the new rule. New rules have had no impact on me. fifteen-year-old whatsoever I have degenerative cervical myelopathy...

"I’ve had a weekend relaxing whilst my two youngest kids were visiting their dad’s. I’ve spent today (Sunday) trying to rest as I’ve pulled my back. Lots of googling and talking to my friend makes me think it’s possibly a stress related injury...

"Coming to terms with the fact that furlough for my husband will end and he’s still not allowed to go back to work. His sector is still banned from operating...

Q10. How are you finding the latest lockdown restrictions?: "A bit concerned that some people are not sticking to the rules in my local area."...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "I don't mind wearing a mask to help protect myself and others but my daughter finds they irritate her skin, but she is continuing to wear them."...

"Not been a good week. I have had to contact my mental health team but am still not able to get an appointment for my face to face interview due to covid restrictions...

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "Honestly, I'm acting like the first lockdown is still in place...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "Wore the mask to town yesterday, first day in town since April...

"After birth was quite bad, I felt like I couldn’t move around a lot because the pain was worse and I had a catheter in. I was dependent on myself and it was difficult to leave my room, However was in a refuge I had the support workers to buy things for me from shops after I had given them the money...

"I gave birth in April, you could say it was the middle of the pandemic and for someone having their first baby, it was scary enough to think you’re about to give up looking after just yourself to be responsible for this whole after person. I was isolated, I think most people that are isolated crack because it’s one of the leading causes of depression and other conditions, I was used to being independent and thankfully it didn’t affect my mental health. I don’t have family really a part from my sister who lives far away and my parents which are substance misusers, I don’t speak to them. During the birth I could only have my baby’s father during the delivery but little did I know that I really needed him after but covid 19 stopped this...

"so after lots of back and forward with getting a response from universal credit journal system i was worried at the amount they deducting this month (£192) which leaves £864) by the time all that happened it had gone into the bank in short they said i cant defer the advance for 3 months because at the time of accepting it i said i could afford it,i pointed out that at the time of taking that advance i was reaching almost sick with the burdens of taking it that was just £500 (not knowing the legacy would stop)and the other deductions was been paid £1 month before pandemic because of low income so to then change that to £39 without prior notice then of course i cant afford it then because no one had told me the legacy would stop in march i had to take another £500 advance so they taking £ £85.00 advance £39.00 deductions dwp £75.00 from housing because my older daughter moved back in 24th august she has just became fully qualified nurse and is awaiting a start date for a position in cancer care i have already borrowed £120 from her for gas and electric,food before i was paid i say borrowed yes she going to get paid in her job so should contribute but come on i'm her dad always been the provider no matter what ,she has had a period of no pay it kills me asking her for help i feel no parent should be asking their child to support them winters coming and the stress is coming about that and the prepayment meters it never bothered me before when i was self employed and getting legacy benefits nothing did,this past 6 months has certainly been different well am sure ive gone of track i said in short at the beginning apologies so back to todays universal credit a quick reckoning up of outgoings not including food ive got £98 to last a month thats if i aint forgot anything oldest daughter got some shopping in yesterday still need few things till the next shop all sorts can go through your mind maybe i'm overthinking or maybe just every parent is the same things like abbie needs a winter coat, tights,etc for school then there is the FAT man coming (Santa clause) cant even bear thinking about it oh going back to the universal credit journal the agent said after i put her right with above if i defer for three months the advance i wouldn't be able to get another if needed during this time but if i wanted she can defer one to help,because they where took out separately so i asked if i deferred one would that remove the (able to ask for advance in 3 months period) it would even though they were separate so the wait for a response is normally 24 hours for a reply funny enough it seems awfully close to the closing time last msg of the day so ya gotta wait until end of next day your agent will reply so if you ask or confirm the query ya gotta wait again so for me it all took that long so all that stress and anxiety of that process, back to the stress and anxiety of getting to the end of the month :("

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "I DO NOT CONSENT...

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "The new rules have resulted in a feeling of isolation again...

"I had a weekend that felt a bit more normal. I booked for me, my kids and my friend who’s in our bubble, to go on a local barge trip...

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "Think I answered this last week but generally feeling fed up...

"School just doesn’t get it. It was hard enough buying my daughters school uniform - from the official shop, through the school uniform bank, and second hand from selling groups. So I was fuming when they declared 2 weeks in to term that 2 days a week they have to wear joggers and trainers (neither on their original list). I’d have got less uniform bottoms if I had known...

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "Hiya, the new rules and restrictions are causing a lot of confusion due to different areas of the country having different rules, I feel that the mask wearing is a very disputed thing within communities and causes issues with disabled people...

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "No no no, I can’t cope with another 6 months of this! The restrictions disproportionately affect stay at home parents, the elderly, the poor, those with disabilities (etc)...

"I am extremely anxious about my daughters schooling as I am a childcare provider from home and by the time I deep clean in the evenings, sort tea etc I have little or no time to check in properly with her or to oversee her school work besides being totally zonked. I worry as she has to travel to & from school-who she is mixing with etc in case she gets Covid & brings it back home for me to have to close my business & no income 🤷‍♀️😖"...

Q12. How have the new rules and restrictions affected you?: "Hello, I'm quite happy with the rules and restrictions my children School...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "Hello, I hope you can hear me over the sound of the rain hitting the car my experience of masks...

"We’re in quarantine right now for the next two weeks. "...

Q10. How are you finding the latest lockdown restrictions?: "I am finding the new restrictions confusing if I am perfectly honest - I question the sense of them in the fight against COVID-19...

"So COVID-19 has taken the lives of over 1 million people and I am losing hope that we will ever get back to any normality as it just keeps ripping through the global population. "...

Q10. How are you finding the latest lockdown restrictions?: "I've been in a local lockdown for several weeks & i don't have folk over to visit, so it doesn't impact on me...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "I have no problem whatsoever wearing masks in enclosed environments nor has my son...

"I would love to seek more support to help me through these tough times, I have joined the National autistic society to see if they can help. Any advice would be great."...

"I have a loving wife, but we have no itamacy. I am struggling to know were our relationship is heading as I feel we are just friends with children together...

"Due to my aspergers, I have tended to push people away and am losing friends due to the stresses of covid, I am seeking help but it is not easy knowing who to talk to etc. I know it will change eventually but its to stressful to even think about right now."...

"I have to say my money is definitely dwindling, had to use a credit card which I am not too pleased about but the cost of food is going up all the time and our money as a family is not going as far as it used to. Also my eldest son is now on universal credit and he is disabled but they don't seem to care that he is disabled and in effect we have lost over £200 a month since we post benefits and gone over to UC...

"Been a rough couple or days trying to sort out my middle son with his mask as he got to school from the bus yesterday and was sick due to mask anxiety, spoke to the school who explained i needed to get something official so he did not have to wear a mask as school, looked at the government guidelines that said that is unsure, also found out that if you get questioned about not wearing a mask there is a fine of up to £5000 to the person questioning you. So we will see how my son has done today later"...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "Right...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "The children are both exempt currently...

"I was back in work today after the latest round of government restrictions were announced. I work one day a week for a mental health charity, an admin job that I started in July...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "I keep a pack of disposeable ones in the car for those moments when one of us forgets their mask...

"so I've currently been dealing with anti socail neighbours it's been so bad that my 4 year old was terrified, this caused me to lose my temper a little bit after the police refused to turn up to an urgent response for nearly 56 hours. in which time I have broken 3 bones in my hand as I lost the plot when they kept telling me my child wasn't important enough to respond for...

"How can the government know the true effects of CoVid and lockdown without questioning the future generation Not enough has been invested in how this massive change has affected childrens self esteem, their confidence and their personality. No-one knows how much CoVid has affected the children who are the future...

""Will Santa still come this year mummy". My 6 year old son asked me today...

"My daughter's biggest concern is another lockdown. She's 11...

"My son is 6 and from the eyes of an innocent his biggest worry and difference this year due to CoVid and 1 he cried so much about, was that he can't trick or treat on Halloween. Oh through the eyes of an innocent little child...

"I am really concerned about the fact the government are not pumping money into Life coaching classes or Councelling for young children affected by the realities of CoVid. It is a disgrace that Boris states he is worried about the long term mental health issues of children but is doing nothing about it...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "I've 2 children a 6 year old boy and an 11 year old girl...

"Realised this morning as I was doing the laundry how normal this sight has become..."

"i just wanted to say the COVIDREALITIES has been a mechanism of support for myself at a time when i really have been at my lowest (august) and without the covid realities listening to my voice and others alike,i personally believe i may have become more unwell,its helped release some of the stress and more importantly the mental stress as well as the uncertainty's we all currently face, i would say the anxiety and panic attacks aren't the best brought on by the current situation of the welfare system,something i have had to battle with through the pandemic something as a parent you find yourself hiding from the on lookers (people around you) in my case my daughter she sees me as her super hero someone strong and with no worries when inside at times its a different story.at present all is calm in my mind but one thing is approaching which is Christmas and we all know this is going to be a challenging one a very different one indeed we may and may not get tied up in our busy lives. so i take this opportunity to thank everyone at covid realities and JRF for doing everything you do not just for me for everyone you do an amazing job ,i cannot thank you enough wishing all health and happiness Neil, Abbie, Rachel #TheBoyds "...

"interesting read https://www.ippr.org/files/2020-09/child-poverty-and-devolution-sep20.pdf"

"oh the joys (not) of universal credit my older daughter moved back in end of august she just qualified as a nurse,so they are deducting £75.00 from the rent fine with that i noticed they had given me £864 for the month so deductions are £85.00 for the advance and another £39 for a previous overpayment matter which was been payed to Moorcroft group debt recovery £1 month ,but now they decided to reclaim this way at £39 a month so i sent a message (is there anyway the reductions can be reduced my energy bills are rising already i cant make it through the month without food bank its causing me to stress please can this be looked at) reply Unfortunately the repayment amount of any advances you have had can't be changed as you agreed you could afford the amount when you took the advance. As you are also having other deductions taken you can call 0800 916 0647 to find out more about your debt repayments and ask if they can be reduced. so i have rang them and there reply was i would have to prove hardship i asked how am i supposed to do that she could not advise on how to do this i said would my bank statement do as it will show i already borrowing by the 14th of every month she could not answer on how to prove hard ship???????"...

"My husband is facing fresh job insecurity. His sector is still not allowed to open so has no work for the foreseeable future...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "We all happily wear masks...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "I am fearful that my childminding business will be closed for numerous occasions throughout the winter because of COVID and worry about the financial aspect as I’m a single parent with a mortgage and bills to pay, let alone mouths to feed."...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "ive worn one in supermarkets from the beginning i used to get some weird looks in lidl ,there was a time i attended a walk in with the daughter aged 6 then i put one on her for the fear of catching something she was fine and understood,her sister is a nurse so maybe she has a better understanding but its not uncommon now .school has introduced wearing them at drop off and pick up,not sure if that was due to an email i sent to school around wearing them with people outside your household or the lack of it."...

"This last two weeks have felt really strange , being child free for the first time in 6 months is strange. It’s really odd how you get used to living safe in your little family bubble Then boom the children go back to school , the house is trashed from 6 months of staying home and the anxiety of Covid has quickly crept up. I think personally in lots of ways it’s easier having the children home ......

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "Masks! Having 4 children with additional needs who are exempt from wearing a mask it is very confusing with the new rules and especially now they are saying passengers in taxis have to wear them it’s unclear the rules around those who are exempt. I personally find masks claustrophobic they make me touch my face more , panic and make me feel very awkward when talking to others."...

"Since the announcement of further pro-longed restrictions I am feeling down. I’m trying to pinpoint exactly what it is that is getting me down and quite simply it’s not being allowed to see friends and family...

"Did anyone else watch PMQs today (23/9)? I don't have a life as you may have guessed but - our PM was asked about extending the furlough scheme, the support for self-employed workers and the "uplift to UC and extending it to legacy benefits". The bit in quotes relates to the first increase in Universal Credit (generally) for a long time - years...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "I must admit I like masks...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "Getting used to wearing masks, but I have to remember to take them with me...

Q11. What are your experiences of masks?: "Thankfully my children are not required to wear masks...

Q10. How are you finding the latest lockdown restrictions?: "The new restrictions are unlikely to impact us...

Q10. How are you finding the latest lockdown restrictions?: "Honestly, I acted as if the first lockdown was still in place...

"I am really worried we will be back in lockdown soon - I was just starting to feel comfortable outside again. A friend of my sisters works within the government has been warned to take essential things from work to ensure they can work from home by the end of September...

Q10. How are you finding the latest lockdown restrictions?: "Everything is so vague and confusing...

"The new restrictions were announced this week which don’t make much difference to us as we’ve had local restrictions since end of July. However, it still has brought up a raft of feelings to add to the overwhelming sense of frustration...

"what I'm fearing most currently is how my child's going to stay safe in school with 90+ children mixing in the playground and 30 per class with no masks being used children at my child's school are still encouraged to hold hands and when asked if I may put a ask on my child at first they refused and said its not allowed??? my child barely sleeps due to the council using the flat above me for temporary housing and the tenants put there make noise and fight at all hours of the day and night, I am really worried because of this she might catch covid because she's got a compromised immune system due to exhaustion and no one is helping it seems and the housing group who rent to the tenants upstairs are refusing to do anything about my complaints to them which includes criminal damage done by their tenants and all of this my child is forced to go through as we live under them with no help from the council or the school I'm scared about sending my child anywhere with no mask why is it we can't socialise in groups of more than 6 and must wear mask if our children. our babies are going to school mixing with 90+ children and are told not to wear a mask do our children not matter??? mine means everything to me and I cannot get over how much disregard for their safety the government have shown "...

"Son is back at school, in year 11. Daughter about to head off to university. Worried sick in case she gets ill. How do I get her home? "

"The Covid secure changes to my daughters Reception class have impacted negatively on my my mental health. They’ve gone completely overboard (other local schools have kept their provision the same) and made it look like a Year 1 classroom...

"So playgroups and soft play seem to be beginning to open up which is great....if you have the money. All our free/low-cost playgroups are still closed. The toddler classes are open, but they’re at least £5 a session! Our usual playgroup is going to open, and it’s normally pretty reasonable at £2.50...

"There’s a lot of talk at the moment about the £20 uplift being removed/continued. For me it feels like small potatoes...

"just a quick one submitted a question to prime ministers q&a why did rishi sunak tell self employed people to claim universal credit without the proper advice in place to be given ie:the loss of tax credit and working tax credit why was transitional protection not applied as in the migration of legacy benefits why were agents not advising correctly,why was the extra £20 on hb and tax credits and universal credit information not available until April 6th with those applied with help from social landlord Gentoo i wouldn't have suffered hardships i have with no way back what happened to you will not be left behind,you have not been forgotten #covidrealities https://www.gov.uk/ask"

"Trying to keep getting out and about with a trip to the local park and play area only for it to be cut short after a child was showing COVID-19 symptoms and their parents admitting they were supposed to be isolating. Kinda annoying as we are sticking to the guidelines but there are too many people not doing so...

"I have managed to make it to the gym. Wow...

"Covid and the subsequent lockdown has caused considerable anxiety for my daughter who is struggling to go back to school and return to her usual routine. She wants to come home and continue with remote learning, which is detrimental to her social development...

"Had family visiting from London for the week which has been both chaotic yet enjoyable as we find our feet during this new reality COVID has brought us. I hope the days of running about parks continue as these are the days I enjoy most now."...

"I feel lucky when it comes to the home ed part, I've home educated my son for nearly 2 years now. Seen lots of parents stressing over it and I just want to tell them not to worry...

"I've been back as self employed working from home now just 1 week. will have my declaration to submit to UC in the next few days and already im seeing differences in what they allow as an expense and what the gov website allows...

"Hi. This isn't so much about me...

"I can honestly say this has been one of my weeks from hell. The main problem for me has been that the relationship with my 22-year-old has deteriorated...

"It's a shame how people with a learning disability or physical etc have been seen as second citizens and left to one side. I bealive some areas of the councils have been seeing around seeing if everyone is ok...

"We're board, fed up and it's way to busy out there for vanribal people. School may start soon (possibly) and we have on idea whats happening and when. Seasonal items are comming into the shops and this ring bells for more money to be exspected to me spend, more shopping, and busier crows outside...

"Feeling very anxious sending daughter back school , Now the days getting closer . Am terrified watching the new awful ...

"My youngest son is about to start 6th form so no uniform but smart suit, trousers, shoes etc. We had to go and get him stuff today...

"so i asked universal credit to let me amend my income and outgoings after speaking with hmrc a full day i waited,anyway i reported i needed to change the entries as to what hmrc said i really dont have a clue with this i had an accountant for this and they are it feels like they avoiding my question adding to the stress and another thing checking my payments they are deducting something else not sure if i can ring the number given,wonder if it was tax credits over payment they said £254 now this was incurred because i got a demand to submit my account to them in MAY now given i didnt have £150 to pay accountant this wasnt done so they went by there calculations (everyone else has until january 2021 for the self assesment for 2019/2020 for tax credits demand it in may sure this hole is getting deeper"

"well worked up today where to start went to get my bloods done at doctors something i put off during past 3 months just keeping away from surgery really anyway anxiety kicked right in almost been sick leaving house got there walked from car over road say like 50 mtrs out of breath as per when i get like this anyway nurse talking blood called the doctor which was on call examination followed by an ecg in surgery doctor agreed its anxiety and this will be addressed thursday during appointment call in a way theres no way i could have explained some things on the phone my appointment was just medication review so zoom session i may have to end if they ring around 2:50pm.things have changed in the house this week my older daughter rachel has moved back home she has witnesed the anxiety and now comes the informing all releavent people,when i couldnt even pick the phone up past 6 months suppose its fear of outcomes look at what happened in march plunged into a situation i know nothing about how to go about things dont want to get deeper into debt,with this system its getting to a point its all most like a job and taking time away from abbie the future doesnt look bright school shoes ive had to get on installments for now a neighbour asked if i was all done for uniforms yesterday i said no her reply was what the hell you were all in before us and the 6 weeks last year,Rachel my oldest suggested we went to adventure park together as i said i felt guilty on abbie as we are normally off out everywhere but its been very different lately,so my to do list for today is written lets see how i get on"

"My ex allowed my children to have contact with his partner who had been tested and was awaiting results. The results were positive and now my kids have to isolate and I can’t work during this time...

"have alsorts going on in my head today was looking on twitter for citizen advice number and came across this https://cpag.org.uk/sites/default/files/files/policypost/CPAG-mind-the-gaps-briefing-20-August.pdf this report mentions myself"

"I’ve really let the tidiness of the house go significantly downhill - there are toys everywhere. I kinda feel like Covid has started to grind on my family; my daughter is easily bored and I’m fed up...

"A main CoVid reality foe me this summer affected my children and I and it involved day trips. for the last few years a wonderful support group have been taking my 2 children on day trips to the beach, parks, caves and indoor play areas...

"Universal Credit are hounding me to get a job after a lot of years of not having one. I am a qualified teacher and I know I have skills beyond that if I choose an assistant job rather than the pressures of a teacher...

"I am so grateful for the days with better weather as it opens up so much more things for us to do! We took a short drive to Craigtoun Country Park and just having green space to let my kid run about and enjoy nature... it’s just amazing...

"Lockdown has been a very difficult time. My low wage has ment that I'm struggling most weeks to feed the girls...

"The wet weather is so difficult when trying to entertain a toddler, especially as no indoor play centres are open. Trying to work out different things to do to give some variance in activities but not forking out tons of money."...

"Chatting to two ladies who’s children receive free school lunches at secondary school. The half price, Eat Out To Help Out offer has confused the computers in Aberdeenshire Council...

"Received a lovely card from Geoff yesterday, Thankyou its always nice to get something from a stranger. whilst waiting on my first UC payment i had been advised i could apply for discretionary support, i was awarded £500 for myself and my child for food only they wouldnt allow for rent debts due to no income or any other costs...

"Well we buried my grandad and it was awful and lovely all at the same time. What a rollercoaster of emotions this whole experience has been. The flowers were beautiful and I would never regret spending the money on them even though they were more than I could afford. I am going to pick some of the flowers to dry and keep...

"me high point of day didn't last i put me last 10 quid on electric yesterday never arrived on smart meter British gas online chat no help looks like afternoon on phone to bank then ring them too"

"The local council have decided to waste council tax payers money by placing cones up every road in town centre to allow pedestrians extra room to pass queues into shops. The queues are spilling onto the extra social distancing area on the roads...

"Panic attacks are taking over. I receive a lot of advice about looking after myself as I need to be well for my family. Yet what is causing he stress is caused by the government’s and LA decisions on not chasing up child maintenance payments and withdrawing the free school lunch payments...

"Schools are back in Scotland, my child isn’t. My daughter is 14 and hasn’t stepped inside the school since a a bout of unresolved bullying and her mental breakdown in May 2019...

"ive added photos today from during lock down and after and today which is a high point today we came 5th in give it a grow competition ran by local housing landlord ,to be honest its been the stress relief tending to them although i did put irrigation system in to spend more time with abbie"

"Previously, I was in receipt of ESA. It was unilaterally stopped, following an assessment of my mental health by a physiotherapist! Usually, you receive something while you appeal the decision but I could not supply doctors' notes as my health records are not private - they belong the the secretary of state for health and it was astonishingly simple for my son's father to apply to the family court to release them to a forensic psychologist who had a field day! Thereafter, I resolved not to seek further treatment and add to those records...

"As I'm having a horrible week. My Daughter is on the very beginning of the pathway as she ticks the boxes of Asperguse and ADHD...

"Exhausted really tired this week. Just tired from 6 months of looking after 3 kids aged 7-11 , twenty-four hours a day seven days a week whilst schools closed without a single break as their dad no longer able (domestic violence previously) it’s tiring my days start at 7am and end between 11pm and midnight when they finally all get to sleep ...

"Even though the education minister for Northern Ireland requested a full return of pupils to schools my 2 are still only in part time. This was a personal decision their individual schools made...

"Our local playground has opened. It has made such a big difference...

"Still working from home with a 4 year old only child to look after. The strain of this can get draining as you are constantly interupted by child who is feeling bored and ignored...

"Hi this is my first diary entry. I have had a look around the site and a couple of days to think about it...

"I feel like, because we’re on benefits we don’t matter as much. I’ve already had a moan about not being able to use the HealthyStart vouchers online - forcing us into shops or having to forfeit them...

"As it’s getting closer to schools opening I’m Sitting thinking and wondering how they think people manage who are just over the threshold for things like free school meals , it’s ok them giving families working tax credit which equates to in our case £17 per week but When my 5 kids are at school it’s costing over £50 in school lunches so for my family we are better off financially when the children are home as I can bulk buy and feed them on a smaller budget plus the added help of our community food banks. I saw advertised about uniform grants and thought ‘oh great we must be able to apply’ WRONG!!!! No yet Again because of the working tax credit ....... Then I’m thinking well are the kids going to be going back, if so how long for with the uncertainty of the virus.........

"My hopes and fears, i dont know if i have any hopes at this stage my mind is bogged down with worry about my finances and keeping my child safe. I have a vision for next year but if i end up in a spiral of debt it drags you down...

"Its about a week now since i started this diary of sorts. Today i had a phone call from the discretionary grant application, because i was honest and said i had some of wages left i cant get anything even though its left there to pay upcoming bills...

"I had to complete my final year of an undergraduate degree in lockdown while juggling home learning with my child. The university staff were quite understanding, but some of my course mates were far less than sympathetic...

"My son is autistic and so, his interests are very narrow. He wanted to go to our nearest beach, as we live on the coast...

"I've had a great week this week. CoVid has shown me how generous people are...

"5 weeks is a long wait for 2 weeks benefit. knowing when i get that il already owe nearly 800 in rent because of the way my payments worked out...

"looking through various entries im seeing so many able to change their suppliers etc. i live in an area were we dont have that choice...

"Sitting down today after spending last week signing onto Universal credit trying to budget what i have left of my last months wages. Not getting any income now until the 9th September i need to stretch this a lot further then normally and i'm minus my WTC support which always covered my rent...

"In the space of a week I have lost a tooth, a contract worth £600 (not so much lost as just dismissed). Our contributions as a service for a project we have been working on for 20 weeks suddenly ended...

"I wish people would stop critiquing me on the fact my two year old isn’t wearing a mask - she’s exempt! Have I got her masks? Yes, of course! Will she wear one? Not a chance. She doesn’t understand what’s happening! I can’t leave her at home as I’m a single parent and my Mum works! What am I supposed to do? "...

"It has been a long week. We have had birthdays this week...

"My grandad died. It’s been awful...

"My 2 year old pushed the tv off the sideboard. It’s broken beyond repair."...

"I feel really lonely, I've had little contact with anyone other than my children and it's starting to really get to me. The prospect of this for the foreseeable future is terrifying...

"Another hungry day. I'm thankful I can make bread as that's all I've been eating, just so my children don't go without...

"Today i had my first UC interview. Signed on Yesterday...

"Just put the weekly food shop order through - £90 for a family of 4. Some weeks, no matter how hard I try, I can’t get it anywhere near our £50 budget."...

"My anxiety has been really spiking this week. I spoke to the doctor on Thursday and he has prescribed me some medication. It was worryingly easy to get a prescription for tablets - therapy wasn’t even mentioned...

"It’s so frustrating not being able to use Healthy Start vouchers online. I’ve not used any since the start of lockdown and they have been going to waste. It’s not felt safe to take 2 children shopping, and it works out cheaper and safer for us to shop online...

"So Bradford has gone back into local lockdown. Everyone I speak to understands why, but it doesn’t stop us being annoyed about it...

"Well after 46 minutes on hold to the Department of Work & Pension's Personal Independence Payment enquiry line, I managed to get get through to a lovely operative who is sending me out a review form. My award was due to end in 2027 - but I just can't manage any more, so I've put my big girl pants on, taken a deep breath & am going for it to see if I can get extra help & my motability car back...

"I get paid tomorrow. I'm so excited I could cry...

"so sunday i read something energy companies will help if your struggling British gas prepayment customer i am i went online chat i asked for help as i needed electric and gas i asked for 10 pound on each till thursday he said what can i pay back weekly i told him considering my universal credit ran out week before £1 week this wasnt accepted long story short there weekly recovery rate is£3.65 ,i'm a man i got so emotional doing this this is why i havent picked up the phone explaining my situation is building up i can feel emotions writing this so god knows what i'd be like on phone it's so hard getting the advice online the bits of information coming out now rather than before have got my head mashed"

"Yesterday was very emotional. I had a friendly phone call from an old family friend...

"online calculators why am i getting different amounts am i getting enough or to much heads spinning round in circles"

"re school dinners in brief I was getting the meals for child but some reason I was told to re apply I did same time as UC however I did not get anything for 5 weeks 8th may I got one was first. whole system was hit and miss i am a single dad their was mothers getting food parcels as well as vouchers i never got as many vouchers as mothers overall i had good view of school before this i just felt forgotten compared to theirs especially when they send an attendance women round every 2 weeks to wave at child from the window not one parent ive spoken too had this women calling round,i felt a little picked on considering i wasn't getting anything a parcel a voucher for first 5 weeks i had some extra Xmas money put away and used that but what if i didn't ,i felt very alone and searching for correct advice has been areal nightmare late nights then homeschooling and stresses of self employed carry on and no information cant cope on this universal credit god help me in the winter when cold weather comes cant get to end of month now pre payment british gas"...

"One aspect of universal credit stress I didn't expect was the monthly routine of stress that quickly forms. I've been on universal credit for two payments thus far...

"I don't want to go downstairs today, have to try and make something edible from ingredients kiddies dislike. Yesterday we ate like Kings, the local youth group dropped of tuna, sweetcorn, and cheese and wraps, it wasn't alot but we made warm tuna wraps from...

"I cried like a baby yesterday. On Tuesday our local community center sent over some packs, with food and activities for the kiddies (they're sending another today which I'm anxiously keen on like a little schoolgirl lol)...

"We rarely eat out and our treat is a shops meal deal. Tho we all need to feel real and have a treat out with others around...

"Being a signal pearant is exstreamly testing at the moment. Reading all your post it is very clear we're not alone but almost a part of some secret society. Do you think a online video call chat group would help you not feel alone and get you your adult conversation? I'm lucky tho as a single mum I also have a friend to talk to and understand what is is like to also have a child with additional needs...

"Hi. What can I say...

"So sleepy, just constantly sleepy lately. I don't wanna clean anymore, or cook, or stress or paint or anything, just really wish I could have a nice long nap...

"I lost my job months ago as my daughter became a school refuser and has high anxiety. I am now her full time carer waiting on official diagnoses of autism. I want to be working, I’m lonely at home...

"Have been receiving £50 a month from council for free school meal entitlement. Although my daughter has been home for a year and nothing was offered before lockdown. I actually accumulated £25 on the school lunch card which has not been spent due to daughter not attending school...

"I didn't want to get out of my bed today. I did, naturally, got kids to tend too so no choice really...

"Just had a call from my surgeries asthma nurse, checking to see how I'm doing (as I've got asthma and am overweight). I explained that my asthma has gotten worse in lockdown and that I'm not sure how to access prescription services while on universal credit (I was told I'd need to apply for an exception card last time I ask, though that was precovid)...

"Been reading the news this morning, going on about levels of unemployment and getting people back into work, etc. Nowhere does it mention how many jobs are actually available...

"Another Monday morning. I keep making sure I remember the days...

"Pleased to have received a little discount of £150 off my council tax due to the pandemic which will help. In my area if you are of working age whether or not you are on disability benefits & cannot work, you still have to pay - for me it is £500 per year, including a precept for adult social care which I need but don't actually receive as I wouldn't be considered disabled enough."...

"I am really upset about my middle son (21) having to go back to work in the pub kitchen now that social distancing has been relaxed by the Govt in England. There's no way that they can maintain social distancing in the kitchen & I am worried that he will bring COVID19 home & as a neurologically compromised person who has been adhering strictly to what I consider the "proper" guidance from the World Health Organisation that I will catch it...

"I went through the automation process of making the payment and got transferred to the credit card hardship department automatically. I wasn’t expecting that and guessed I couldn’t put it off any longer...

"Government decided to remove the minimum income floor in March which instantly increased my benefits by £214 (back to the amount of being unemployed and without any penalisation for my expenses). Also, the introduction of the school meal vouchers has meant an additional £60 a month...

"My food shop has gone up, previously I was likely to spend probably on average of £!00/wk. this week’s bill was £150 although that did include some £8 shorts for my son...

"I have noticed that not having shops to go to or having any activities available I did initially cut down on expenditure. However, the longer lockdown has gone on the need is now met by the wonders of the internet and the bits and bobs soon mount up without realising, £12 on a jigsaw, all the zoom karate lessons for my son £5 per week, zoom this and that, reading books, electricals, tv subscriptions."...

"I am, somewhat happy to report that as my dad and I have been experiencing some symptoms similar to that of Corona virus, we all had the test, thankfully we all came back negative. This is such a relief and I cannot express our joy and relief."...

"When the coronavirus hit, I was extremely worried as to how this would affect my already fragile financial situation as any spare money/income has been non-existent for some time now. I feared that food prices would become crippling and I was unsure how I would survive."...

"I realised home schooling has gone totally to pot.. I’ve lost the will! is anyone still doing this? Is it just me who is kidding myself that if I shout at my son enough he will just do it? Is this going to have a detrimental effect on his life?? I spoke to a friend who said her circle of friends have all given up...

"Since lockdown I have been caring more for my 87-year-old dad who has copd and who is having to self-isolate. He has to rent a property close by as I didn’t have the space for him to live with me."...

"I am constantly fighting with myself to keep my depression on an even keel mainly due to my financial situation and the constant battles I face being with employment and ever-changing income, outgoings and benefit system as a single parent. I have to remain positive or I would drown."...

"We always look forward to clapping on Thursday so think it’s our favourite day. Boys love it as they are downstairs as well a bit later...

"Another week gone by already - tempus fugit as they say. The highlight of this forthcoming week was that, today, we had somewhere to go & something to do...

"Living through the pandemic has compounded those feelings of needing to be prepared, because if I don’t get things sorted, even though they will cope, I fear that the boys may not cope, but that’s my mothering instinct kicking in, I guess. I have no one else to rely on...

"I have had no support at all during the coronavirus, I could have taken a mortgage break but I felt nervous adding the extra interest."

"We have both been at work today, my partner works in a supermarket but I am lucky I can work at home I like I am still working it keeps my head straight and fills me with sense of purpose."

"I have learnt that I am completely a slave to work, I miss out on valuable ‘family time’ because I have to work full time and extra jobs to keep a roof over our head. Although this can’t change I hope my life can get simpler not buying to keep up with others or buying on credit just to be the same...

"Arrived back home about 6pm. Made sure everyone was fed & watered whilst my son started drawing which kept him occupied for an hour or so...

"Today it was a warm mizzley day - grey & quite overcast. But still there were bright pops of colour from the bedding plants all over the park as they were coming into their best bloom, which was lovely to see...

"All our wages go on our bills and food don’t really have any spare especially since a lot of my extra duties, such as event work and coaching have stopped due to covid. I know I am lucky but its hard at the minute boys need bits for school, paper etc and would like to get some more reading books but prices have rocketed because everyone is at home...

"As a lone parent for the past 15 years plus I’ve had no one to share the emotional load of parenting, nor care about how I’m doing as only a significant other would. The feelings of loneliness have been compounded by the pandemic...

"And I want to be fair on boys and don’t want them to get behind in school there is so much pressure on parents, I am really feeling that I feel like at the moment I am a mum, an employee, a cleaner, a cook, a teacher with zero time for me. I bet a lot of people feel like me."...

"Old memories of being domestically abused have resurfaces - particularly that of control & coercion. My son’s Dad would lock me in the house to prevent me from leaving when I felt under threat from him...

"Life in our 10th week of lock down is very lonely and long. We spend all day every day at home alone...

"As it's been a lock down and no school for almost for 4 months now. Home schooling is very difficult...

"Hopes are there that once Covid 19 over there will be lots of jobs but this hope is not that high."

"I have to do my shopping in small local shops so i can lock my children in the car and watch them. The butchers and petrol station does not have a massive variety prices are alot higher and smaller quantities so our budget which was over stretched before is not even enough to last a week."...

"We spend so much more on electricity,food,gas as we are at home most of the time. We used to have lunch or dinner at my mums after i got the children from school...

"My children have had no contact with there father since march as his partner is shielding. Also there father was made reduntant before the government introduced the furlough scheme...

"Because of my anxiety and this situation makes me not sleep at all and then I am tired. Getting up late in the morning has no routine...

"I myself as a single mum with two children, one which has sever special needs cannot take alot more of lock down. Mentally, physically and emotionally...

"Struggling with food today though, my little boy who is five is always hungry so we are going through so much food it’s like after every meal he wants to eat again and the healthy stuff costs a lot. He would basically have a full punnet of strawberries every day...

"We have had to support at all. I know there is help available from local charaties...

"Our schools don’t seem to known what to do. I would hate that a teacher gets unwell because he / she is in a classroom for 14 days before summer holidays ! It just does not seem right."...

"Certainty about my husbands work would at least enable us to plan for the immediate future. Even if it’s bad news and he is going to be made redundant we can at least then both look for other work that fits in with childcare."...

"For us, like most people it’s been a combination of financial and practical worries . I know we are lucky as we have managed to get by on our savings and furlough, but the uncertainty is taking its toll a bit...

"I feel if I took my daughter to school I would want to stay and volunteer to support them organise the children to keep two metres away."

"Personally, the one thing that would help is clarity (not that easy to achieve I guess !). Clarity on when schools will fully reopen, and on whether my husband has a job to go back to."...

"My main fear is that one of us gets Covid 19 badly, and my hope is that we don’t. My eldest daughter still has febrile convulsions when her temperature is high, I have had blood clots in the past, and it seems that anyone of us can get life threatening complications...

"There is a constant worry about the future, combined with the feeling of failure about not doing anything well enough when you’re trying to be parent, teacher, keep the house in order etc. I do of course appreciate that a lot of people will be feeling like this and these are strange times and not permanent, and there are also lovely times with the kids just enjoying walks in nature and bike rides."...

"The support we have received is from husband bring furloughed, the community cafe, with their food bags each week ( this really helps reduce the shopping bill), mortgage holiday, and personal loan holiday."

"I hope my husbands work resumes because if our financial situation went back to normal it would remove one major worry. If this doesn’t happen I hope that we can find work alternatives between us that enable us to give our children a happy comfortable life."...

"I would love support or space from my daughter same time to rest or just sleep because I am in pain it is so bad some days. I can’t get out of bed and stand up, I do exercises in bed before I can move."...

"This is an experience why has been give to us. I feel we should all take this time to see what to really important to our families...

"Moving forward, I wonder what the "new normal" will be. Many families will be looking forward to a day at the seaside when they reopen...

"Really overwhelmed that a food parcel arrived today from the children’s school. Lots of little treats as well as essentials...

"Managed a Sunday lunch difficult on a budget. Worried about money as it’s short until we get the voucher for lunch for school...

"We had to make the decision about whether or not to send our 11 year old son back to school in 10 days. It was a really hard decision...

"We been cycling,we been fly kites, placing our Hammac in the trees , l been teaching the children about the animals and the properties of same plants like eldely flowers, nettles , etc ( survival Skills with out technology) how to filtrate water etc we cook and we study online , we been shopping online or we been sharing shopping list with 3 families, if one went to Costco was getting goods for all 3 families."

"Been for our daily walk we’ve discovered lots of new pathways and fields to explore even found a bridge hidden in the woods that when we checked was a grade 2 listed one."

"My mental health has suffered as I have mild depression which I can usually manage fine with my medication, however feeling that I have no control over our circumstances and worries about the future are making it more difficult to deal with the day to day tasks such as keeping up with online learning from school. Melissa, Liverpool"...

"Zoom has helped a lot as children done 2 times per week karate and my freedom meeting, ginger bread family , abc... school , family via zoom :)"...

"I'm worried about my job. The high street isn't going to be the same...

"I am worried about the amount of people I will be in contact with at work in June, for my children's sake."

"In my head I'm counting down 18 days til I get paid again. Waiting for universal credit is scary...

"Lockdown has a habit of getting the mind into repetitive "what if" narratives. What if we catch the virus? What if i get ill, who cares for my kids then? What if they get ill, will I be able to care for them? What if the virus never leaves, what if lockdown lasts years, what if they never find a vaccine, what if what if what if...

"My husband got paid for last week today, his first wages in over 4 weeks. As someone who has always worked, he's really hated not earning money, having to depend on Universal Credit and my furlough pay, all of which goes into my bank account...

"I'm worried about my job. The high street isn't going to be the same...

"Monday, we try to get a couple of hours of school work done on weekdays, but it's not always easy. The kids miss their friends, they are getting bored of doing everything on the computer...

"My husband was supposed to be at work today, a 12hr shift at Nestlé through an agency, but it was cancelled. Last week he got 1 out of 4 shifts cancelled...

"Since moving onto universal my nerves are a wreck, I can't focus on writing. A cold or virus is the lesser of my worries when any day I could be forced to put my children into school, left without money for food or housing or anything...

"Saturday, I got to see my parents for the first time since the lockdown started today. I walked round with the dog and stood under their 1st floor balcony...

"I’ve been out shopping without the kids; it was hectic, horrible and i don’t want to do it again. I’m not a paranoid person in terms of pandemics but it is not a nice environment for me to want to take my kids into, people are wearing masks, gloves, some people are adhering to social distancing, some people are not...

"Initially I was very worried about paying rent and my bills during this time as I always struggle and thought I would lose a huge part of my income, but I have had some furlough payments and my school wage is contracted."

"It would be interesting to see in the future where this goes in financial cost because my electric, my bills will increase and I’m yet to sit down and work that out, I don’t really want to yet which is probably how everyone else is feeling, burying their head under the covers."

"Big things are school lunch boxes. We are not on the voucher system...

"I currently work in a school with pupils with additional needs, a day nursery in the school holidays alongside a large farmshop/cafe weekends and any spare days. I have not been able to do any extra shifts like I would normally do as the latter two have been shut."...

"We haven’t been going out much. We have been using the car, which is my mum’s mobility car but walking down the street is not always comfortable to do so and I cannot pass this on and my mum is getting more and more anxious about getting this because she will not survive through it."...

"With the shopping because the announcements in Tesco’s are saying ‘shop for only what you need, get only what you need’ you’re also under stress straight away to just grab what you need off the shelf. What I found today is that the basic range is not always there, there are lots of empty spaces on the shelf so you have to grab what there is and some of those products you wouldn’t usually buy because, for me, it is usually a financial cost, I wouldn’t normally go for branded products because that soon escalates in cost."...

"I have to wait or just take stuff without looking at other alternatives. So my shopping costs have doubled or gone up by a third...

"It would be nice if energy companies asked us if we were OK. maybe the internet providers asked if we are OK and can they help? Maybe support by changing contracts temporarily, changing services...

"I worry about my parents who live separately, my father has continued working full time from home or on his own with the stress of the business currently and for the future but is also completely isolated."

"I have been filled with extra fear because of my ethnicity and I hope we all appreciate that we need to go back out there with extra caution."

"Generally life has been quiet in my household (with my 17 year old daughter), though full of worries about the whole situation and our safety."

"As for the future, I am wondering whether life will be back to normal. I wonder when I will feel ready to go out with my friends like we used to do...

"I really struggled to get shopping delivery online and I was was not keen on going out myself. I walked to Sainsbury’s (was too scared to get on a bus or a taxi) but didn’t get a lot...