"Borid and Nicola Sturgeon keeping Freedom day at bay for another 4 weeks "

How is your trust in government and the media?: "Through my time studying at school, college and university, I’ve learnt that the media is a source of information you can not fully trust as it is easily manipulated to serve the individuals in charge. It’s like magazines models - they are curvy, toned and without a flaw in the magazine but, in reality, they have stretch marks, wrinkles, jiggly belly, etc...

"Finally got my appointment for my COVID-19 vaccine... I feel somewhat relieved to finally be getting it to help my chances, especially with the Indian strain...

"Today, my Covid Reality is all about how precarious my financial position really is. I had been feeling guilty of late because after 7 years of fighting for what I am entitled to in terms of securing access to full disability benefits, unlike many other during the pandemic, my financial position seems to have improved, on the surface at least...

"Converstaion with welfare Rights today. Since last lockdown most DLA and PIP claimants who were sent renewal forms have had their levels reduced...

"Warm night with window open. Noise of traffic and pub goers is loud...

"Today is all about a phone call out of the blue can leave you out of pocket. I am now liable to pay Spare Room Subsidy aka Bedroom Tax as my eldest son in the RAF who is currently stationed away, lives in barracks & is not deemed worthy by the Government to be deserving of a bedroom to come home to on leave...

"One of the dance mums has turn3d a hobby into a business and sent me a request to like her business page on social media She buys cheap uses furniture and upcycles them to sell at 10 times the price she buys for. Well out my leauge . Very talented and must be great to have the time to persue her business as well as be wife and mother. Here's me trying to keep up with a never ending laundry pile and dishes."...

"The weather is absolutely beautiful and the sun has been shining all week. It definitely feels as though the end of the pandemic is in sight as people's moods have vastly improved...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "Life on a low income during the pandemic has felt like a monumental weight to carry. It's often felt like we've been forgotten about in the system and that our voices have not been heard...

"Another above average Gas/Electric bill arrived today. Myself and my teenage daughter are still spending a majority of our time at home, which is pushing up the use of gas and electricity which is making a big difference to the bill."...

"My anxiety levels are going sky high again. Will there ever be a way that we can get to some sort of normal lives with Covid here to stay...

"Back to square one in the area I live. Covid cases are rising fast, more so in schools...

"No problem with the kids from last week but I think we should be included in a separate session with the governors of the school board and be part of the safety plan in September starting at the new term "

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "No worries about the work schedule and I hope to hear from the rest of the team at the end of the week so hopefully I'll have a better chance to organise something. The kids are a bit worried about how much they will be doing in school with the kids hair cut but they will probably be a little later than they expected"...

"To lift the last lockdown or not? To have a Plan A and a Plan B…With the older one having his graduation @ Nursery Party hanging by the thread of the government’s decision, I have to look further into the future of things my Boy used to be able to do, but is limited to now and still be grateful as they say. But then Nursery said he has a lot of energy and they have noticed his metabolism is very fast, so definitely have to step up with how many playgrounds I take him to."...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "I claim Universal Credit and hate how the system makes me feel for that. I don’t work enough hours for them, so they frequently send links to job fairs or job roles, despite them having no idea of my skill set and abilities...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "I feel I have coped very well throughout the pandemic, definitely better through the initial lockdown than the subsequent ones (particularly winter). I’m fortunate that i haven’t experienced major illness and the pain of losing loved ones, but this pandemic has certainly been a trauma...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "I can't do this any more The support services are not there any more. Sitting waiting to be made homeless due to landlord selling the flat. I tried my best and its not good enough...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "High as being away for a little while, not very well, and been arrested busy. Now, that life's opening back up again for a people...

"It’s been an odd few days I’ve started with a really serious chest infection but had to test for COVID even though I’ve had both jabs luckily no COVID but have been and feel extremely ill and sorry for myself. I am missing COVID reality meetings it seems an extremely long time since I’ve had any interactions with either the team or other participants...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "There have been many times I wanted to end it all. Just leave this world that causes life to be difficult...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "Started back to work last week after five full months off. I don’t know how those five months went by so quick...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "As things are opening up again I’m noticing a common theme. Prices have gone up. I understand that businesses need to make losses back from prolonged closures, and limits on people mean that profits are smaller but, it’s pricing people on a low income out...

"Where next ? with the new variants of covid spreading fast and restrictions easing more what is going to happen, Even if the cases stay lower during the summer while people are outside more we still have to think about what will change during the winter. My daughters school does not require masks to be worn in classrooms now but there has been a couple of cases over this half term which then means more children need to isolate and go back to online work which is not ideal with exams taking place."...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "During the period of the lockdown my daughter and myself have really struggled living on benefits, it was not easy before but with the extra cost involved and equipment needed for home schooling it has been a huge pressure on us both. There are so many changes that need to be made so people can lead a reasonable life without the constant worry about money and bills...

"Death. Last week came the news that my mums elderly cousin had passed away, it was a sudden death although Peter was 82 he was fit and well and passed away suddenly while out shopping going to his car...... Peter lived in saltburn and this got me thinking of all the people unable to pay their respects to family and friends during the restrictions and how thankful I am that we are able to take my mum to peters funeral this week, as lots of families do we don’t see each other often and usually when we do it’s at funerals and every time we always say “we’ll have to meet up in happier times” but that never happens!. It’s so incredibly sad that elderly people like Peter have survived this long through the pandemic, spent the last 15 months incredibly lonely living alone waiting for normality and looking forward to socialising then sadly pass away just as that normality is getting closer. But then I think of all those who were unable to see their loved one and only allowed a very limited funeral and know through my experience of not being allowed to see my brother who was murdered nearly 18 years ago that the long term affects on their mental health through being denied the proper goodbye will be huge...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "That the pandemic has highlighted the plight of children living in poverty, abusive households, being carers and social services allowed all of this to be normalised. It will be forgotten again...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "I don’t trust the government at all. The media are often missing the point about what needs to be publicised and what doesn’t"

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "Home has been difficult at times. I really don’t like what homeschool did to my relationship with my children...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "Not having to self isolate and not having a 2nd job that is a 0 hour contract, no work - no money. Cant work if isolating"...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "The biggest change has been losing my childcare. I feel now that I am farming my kids out all over the place just so I can go to work"...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "When there was a bonus for front line workers I didn’t see any of it because I receive UC. That pushed me into taking a 2nd job so any future extras I will benefit from...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "I think for me it’s been the uncertainty about EVERYTHING, mainly for my daughters GCSEs/college place and unforeseen expenses- PPE, extra petrol as buses my daughter was allowed to get on were halved (some buses were for school kids, others for everyone else). Opportunities for free meals at family/friends homes when we ran out of money at the end of the month ceased...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "Feel uncertainty of the future whether this pandemic go forever or not, freely mix up with people without restrictions or not, job uncertainty etc. I believe some politicians and business man playing with this pandemic whether they don't have value for people's life."

"Hi, I have not written in my diary in a while, the main reason for this was because I felt my situation was affected generally not just because of Covid specifically apart from the social aspects of wanting to join groups which of course were not running but now are. After a discussion in the last Covid realities meeting, the universal credit system has really affected me and impacted on my mental health as I am worried there is not enough time because they pressure people into getting jobs no matter if they are trying to do something to contribute to helping this such as qualification's and training etc, It isnt allowing people who are struggling to better themselves, many people do not put themselves in the benefit system but feel rather that they have no choice but to turn to this and it was other peoples actions that impacted me which made college difficult and my mental health and I cared about my mental state more at the time...

What haven't you told us yet, which feels important to you?: "The Conservatives hate everything about me and are determined to make me feel as worthless as possible. Im a single parent I am long term ill My daughter has a disability Vital funds they an spend on armed weapons to sell to kill other human beings in another country."

"My child and myself are facing homelessness again as lack of social housing. This is not the first time Meanwhile the Royals get a new boat they dont need."...

"Dominic Cummings been stating the obvious on tv of Boris Johnston's incompetence of handling of the pandemic. Like a couple who split up...

"Local Co op is now stocking luxury meals for 1 and fancy cheesecakes at £5 each. Even in the bargain section the cheesecake was too expensive at £3.35. "...

"I want to cry. Or scream...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "I have little to no trust in the government ministers and cabinet as they seem to only care about themselves and lining their pockets. I feel like the media is heavily right leaning although people complain it is leftist...

"Finally I have heard the news that people with presettlement should still apply for benefits even though they will likely be denied help as the DWP has appealed the court case. But if DWP loses then we will be entitled to backpay. I don't know why the government is refusing to help us and leaving us to struggle even though my son is a British citizen...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "The fear and panic that the governement and media fed to society has had a damaging effect on mental health. For a virus that affects 0.2% of children why did they get made to wear masks in schools? The babies born with a low immune system and need vaccines to build up immunity to other diseases don't need a vaccine for Covid? They were safe without masks? Really? What is in the small print and wasily misinterpreted is the death count of a death upto 28 days of a positive covid test...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "The main stream media is steered by the governement. What I wasn to know where was all the other news in the world while the pandemic was repeatedly shoved in our faces 24/7"...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "The Government have used the pandemic to line the pockets of their friends with PPE contracts"

"Today I've been organising a small get together with family and friends in anticipation of my upcoming birthday. I feel really excited but anxious to see people again, and it's draining just thinking about what restrictions might be like then! I think like many, I'm craving normality and just trying to make the most out of a bad situation at the moment...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "The government has of course prioritised the economy. It is in their best interest to do so...

"Today has been a long day and I've just noticed that the small advance repayment on my universal credit claim which stopped during the pandemic has started again and its made a huge strain on my finances. I don't think the government realise that by withdrawing support so soon after the pandemic leaves many people in difficult circumstances...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "Yes at the very start of lockdown, we were unable to aquire basic essentials such as nappies and formula milk because of the sudden rush of people who were panic buying. It was a scary and overwhelming time, I wasn't sure how to cope...

"Another weekend spent indoors with my teenage daughter. Obviously we need to keep being careful about mixing with other people because of the new variants of covid emerging but living on a low income makes it virtually impossible to arrange to go out without the need of additional money which we just don't have...

"Checked bank balance online A payment of £27 has gone in from council. A letter confirms its a refund of the overpayment I made on school lunch card over 2 years ago whilst waiting for free school lunches entitlement was processed. It took over 2 years to refund?"

How is your trust in government and the media?: "I have just watched a webinar aimed at providers of activity for the summer holidays. I have realised that this will be the only way that struggling families will be able to get food help for their children (outside of going to a food bank)...

"I've spent this morning feeling low since waking up. There doesn't seem to be any hope in the air about when things will normalise again...

"I have really struggled to share so much lately as we really have been battered by a lot of emotionally challenging experiences. I just want to say though, the COVID Realities project is helping me such a lot! I feel so empowered, sharing my and others’ experiences safely within the project...

"15 months of avoiding covid symptoms.and get my 2nd vaccine and I coughed all night. Exhausted"

"We managed to go out for a cheap lunch yesterday for the first time since before Christmas. Just felt so good to get out and do something different...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "I have never had much trust in the government to support families on low incomes. The pandemic has highlighted so many inequalities...

"Another Covid Reality for me today is how complicated the DWP system is & how information is not shared across department & HMRC when necessarily - especially in terms of child tax credits. I am in receipt of Carers Allowance for my 16 yo...

"One impact of the Covid19 pandemic is that of affect on dental care provision. As a person on a low income, we rely on NHS dental services as we cannot afford to go private...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "The media has failed to hold the Conservatives to account - investigative journalism is very thin on the ground. Cabinet aren’t questioned or pulled up on their comments."...

"I didn't vote in the last election. I was finally eligible to do so after waiting ages for my pre-settlement status...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "I’ve never liked the Tory government, and their behaviour is what is to be expected. I agree that they do not care about people, especially people they deem beneath them...

"Both of my daughters were born extremely prematurely and wirh chronic lung disease. We went into the pandemic with oxygen cannisters for them, and now they have been removed I still feel extremely anxious about what may happen if they catch covid...

"Today was a good day, things are feeling slightly more normalised since the restrictions easing yesterday. However, there is definitely still a strong sense of uncertainty looming over everyone and while it is great to feel more liberated, the constant negative media surrounding the vaccine confusion and Indian Variant are making me feel concerned...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "I completely agree. I feel people's mental health has been completely disregarded by the government...

"Down for 2nd dose of covid vaccine this morning. Waiting on plumber to come and fix the leak that is affecting the neighbour downstairs . Lost the will with this flat. "...

"I've waited on purpose until today for this entry. This is the day I see as the greatest easing of Lockdown and what I think will have the most effect on me and the girls...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "Having lived through 10yrs of Austerity my trust in this particular Tory brand of government was already low. But I think the Pandemic and the way certain high up members of the government acted have worsened my trust in them...

"Today things began to open up more, but rather than feeling joy I am mentally exhausted. I have just paid monthly bills and don't have much left to go back out and enjoy the easing of lockdown "...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "Experienced the difference between good and evil. A friend in need is a friend indeed...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "I used once or twice when everyone have Covid positive last December."

"It’s been lovely weather, restrictions are lifted and we can finally go out. We haven’t been able to afford to go anywhere proper with the kids which is an awful feeling...

"My mood is starting to creep up as the restrictions are starting to lift. For every day we step closer to some sort of normality I strip closer to getting back to myself...

"So many changes to my tax credit award this last couple of weeks. Don’t know if I’m coming or going...

How is your trust in government and the media?: "I totally agree with you - the government has absolutely prioritised the economy over people. I’m disgusted with the continued list of mistakes and u-turns that have shaken any trust I might have once had. This isn’t a surprise though...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "The experience at home during pandemic is not good. Life gone bore to stay home and huge pressure on mental health."...

"Feeling blue today. My second dose of the vaccine is due and my surgery says they don't stock Pfizer, only Astra Zeneca...

"Hoping everybody is going to stay safe and sensible now more restrictions are being eased across the country. With the new variant spreading and not fully understood I myself am getting extremely anxious about leaving home again and mixing with other people...

" Back in the town centre for free wifi Lots of men sitting outside the pubs in the sunshine enjoying company and a drink. I havent been to the pub in years No idea how much a drink costs I feel all I do is my caring role as a mother and clean and look for bargains in the reduced part of the shop or go to the foodbank then have endless phonecall meetings about my daughter. Im exhausted. "

"Feeling in a reflective mood today after completing the big question of the week. Not only that but I have been doing some antipoverty campaigning and it's reminded me of the fact that when I started campaigning back in 2018, but I actually thought poverty was a personal failing...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "I am disabled lone parent on legacy benefits. I am a former home owner but have been a housing association tenant since becoming homeless originally back in 2005 after a family breakup...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "Big question of the week Housing I stay in a 2 bedroom private flat with my 14yr old daughter who has autism. The flat is very small. It is on the main road and the noise of the traffic overwhelms my daughter with autsim The rent is £600 a month which I struggle to afford as my daughter's benefit was reduced by DWP even though her circumstances are the same. We have no garden...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "My son has Global developmental delays and low functioning autism, and his full-time career. So I'm not expected to look for work, which is Understandable, because life's hard enough...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "I've never had to use a Food Bank not because I'm trooper. I do you see I just have a very large family of six, brothers, and sisters, and a woman that...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "I'm quite lucky because I know you had moved on just two years ago so I have a large from garden with real ins and I have a good back garden with a swing set for my daughter and my son and the weather last year was brilliant. So we were able to set up the front and the kids play in the problem Pearl and the rest of the neighbors would have sat in our garden...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "We moved into our house in December 2019, and I’m so glad we weren’t in our old house for the pandemic. The tiny yard was so cheek by jowl with the neighbours it would have been impossible to be outside and social distance in our own yard!. Thankfully our current home has a lovely little garden, and it’s private and enclosed...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "Our Landlord has been great, actually, helpful & supportive but with maintenance, etc. The Estate Agency was really difficult, we asked for help / time to pay rent / reduction (as I wasn't furloughed when off for 3 months with health conditions), they said the rent money for all their clients was for their pension...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "My experience of home during the pandemic has been stressful. I have four sons ages 17, 11, 10 & 7, my husband and myself in a three bedroom house...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "Hi, I am a housing association tenant living in a two bedroom house with my 15 year old daughter. Generally we have been kept well informed about what is going on with the pandemic but space has been a bit difficult along with keeping our home warm. We live in an area which I would describe as reasonably safe but the two bedrooms are quiet small and we do not have an actual dining area so my daughter has been doing her online lessons in the living room which has meant that I have to be very careful about causing distractions as there is not enough space in the bedrooms for her to be able to work comfortably which has been a problem for both of us. Our biggest problem however has been trying to keep the home warm without the cost being unmanageable, we do have double glazing but the front and back doors are standard timber doors which are not well fitting and the boiler is over 20 years old and not economical to run, the house receives very little sun during daylight hours and therefore is cold even during the summer months which causes problems for the both of us...

"Puppy Stanley arrived on the 5th of may and he is already making life better, we have all bonded very quickly to his little smushy face and he seems to love us too. The kids most definitely seem much happier and on more than one occasion I’ve seen on me of them having private conversations with him...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "During the first lockdown I had just moved in with my pregnant daughter her husband and my grandson. This was to be for a few months to get renovations done to my home...

What is your experience of home during the pandemic?: "I appreciated my home before Covid and have only felt even more of an affection for it whilst enduring restrictions. It’s a 3 bed terrace that I own via a mortgage (with my ex). Fortunate enough to have a small garden which was so welcomed when going outside was restricted to once a day...

"I think all the strain and stress of the lockdowns have put extra strain on an already full plate. I was struggling single parent having escaped domestic violence...

"Well, I'm now having a mild panic attack. Message on my universal credit account today telling me someone is ringing me tomorrow to review my account...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "I feel like there is both positives and negatives. The positive is that it would be easier and perhaps quicker in calculating benefits but the negative is that it takes away the independence and emotional issues of those involved."...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "There will now be ways to keep my little one entertained aside from parks and nature walks which are not suitable with wet weather. The hardest part of lockdown has been trying to keep my kid from getting bored but now I have other places to go!"...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "I’m on benefits but I feel like I’m in purgatory with employment: I’m medically signed off from working as my health issues are not under control BUT I’m not ill enough to get financial support in PIP. It’s awful as I would love to have a job but just wouldn’t be able to do anything with my health - some days I can’t even get out of bed due to pain though."...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "I always worry going to food banks would shine a negative light on my parenting skills. I’m on UC and I don’t have a lot of money but I try to avoid getting help as I feel it would be admitting defeat."...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "My family live a one minute walk from me so if I was ever struggling I could go to them. Or even neighbours...

"The future is feeling very bleak. Tory's held onto power today, again, even after everything they've done this last few years...

"Another day in the home jail as other pupils are back at school. Migraine lifting My daughter with autism is constantly eating out of boredom....

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "Hi. Yes, I will time...

"I have had a very difficult few weeks with some major upheaval in my life, now the tv decided to start playing up and to top it all I hear they are ending face coverings in schools this month. I probably worry to much but I am classed as vulnerable and have been extra careful since the start...

"The foodbank in the community centre is closed today as the buildding is being used as a polling station. If it was open the the local councillors could see for themselves the reality of how the other half live. "

"Its polling day. I have already submitted my vote by post. Whatever the outcome It is still a greedy politician who will be prime minister. "...

"I have long CoVid and my hair was becoming very thin. I'm only 41 and when I used the brush to put my hair up yesterday I noticed 2 bald patches at the side of my head...

"CoVid has a lot to answer for including getting parents in trouble with their child's primary school. I have a very fractured parent/principal relationship with my sons primary school principal as I have challenged a few things he has done in the past...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "I’m glad I had the family time and I am thankful for that as it was scarce before"

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "Constant ups and downs mentally. Worried and exhausted most days...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "Would you be able to cope in my shoes? If not why should I have to?"

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "My son is 7 and has had two birthdays in lockdown, he’s has had so many ups and downs. We’ve had real lows with his behaviour as he’s frustrated but doesn’t have the capacity to express it yet...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "Computers aren’t empathetic and everyone’s situation is different. I’m not sure what the answer is but it’s clearly not working at the moment"...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "Uncertainty once again. Going back to the original struggles we faced before lockdown...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "Yes I’m being pressured to do courses even though I’m not fit to work and have 3 children under 7, 2 of which are toddlers"

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "Depends on my state of mind, I’ll always make sure the kids have what they need no matter what, anything I don’t have is not an issue. Food bank is always a very last result...

"Having such a tough time this week mentally, really struggling to get through. My husband has gone back to work so now we’re losing money on the UC...

"Unexpected expenses My children attend a voluntary aided school. At times we have had to pay small amounts for books and various other things...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "We have not visited a food bank. Since last summer we've been sent weekly food packages of basic foods from a local charity, who have been involved with the school...

"I'm so scared of the job centers reopening, of possibly being sanction if I don't do enough again, off having to drag my kids into a triggering environment for me and them, if having to prove that I deserve the money to feed and house my kids. It makes me feel very ugly, like I'm weak and vunerable, I can't 100% put my finger on the why just the that...

"My extended family are aware of recent drop in benefit income. Yet not one if them has offered to support my child and myself. Not one has asked hiw I am feeling...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "The changes because of the Pandemic have been monumental. I am a disabled lone parent wh home educates my youngest son...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "I've never used a food bank because I always feel there are people much worse off than me. I've never had enough money to put money aside for savings...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "As an accidental activist & anti-poverty campaigner since 2018, the opportunity to tell those in power how the pandemic is affecting already precarious lives & livelihoods was far too good an opportunity to waste. It's important to me that we hold those that govern us to account...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "For me, because I am clinically vulnerable, even though my condition is not on any vulnerable lists because it is not well known about, I've been shielding as much as possible ever since the first lockdown. So the weakening of restrictions will make very little difference I think...

"I am a disabled lone parent on legacy benefits, so have been excluded from the £20 per week uprating of Universal Credit introduced by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak last year as the lockdown started to bite. But it's not just me - there are 1.9 million people in receipt of legacy benefits & despite campaigning for the Chancellor not only to keep but to extend the lifeline in the Autumn budget, he only kept the lifeline for UC claimants for another 6 months & refused to extend it to people like me...

"Last weeks big ideas zoom has really got me thinking. One of the other participants mentioned something and I’ve not been able to stop thinking about it. In our breakout group we talked about Autonomy, Empowerment and Opportunity - both in relation to receiving basic support, but also as a way out of the system. There really aren’t many paths off benefits, and what there is is often restricted by age (apprenticeships) or previous education and employment...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "We’re currently paying off a credit card (minimum payment)every month, we haven’t used the card for a very long time. But if things were desperate we would probably use it as it has pretty high credit...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "Our biggest change amidst the pandemic has been my eldest daughter starting school. It broke my heart. We offset her a year (she’s summer born) because we believed so strongly in the value of play, and I’m glad she didn’t have the disruption the children in her original cohort have had in their Reception and now yr 1 years...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "With a child under 3 years old, I’m not currently expected to look for work. What has been annoying though, is that despite this I have had to attend appointments both in person (pre-COVID) and via the phone, simply to confirm this...

"Foodbank/ larder has a new scheme. They are providing potato seeds to plant to grow your own in your garden...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "I am a single parent father with a 14 year old daughter. Since my partner left around 5 years ago I found budgeting extremely difficult as she was the only full time worker...

"My answer to big question of the week As mobile not working when when I log into chrome. I regular use a foodbank or community larder as its called. Lots of tins of spaghetti hoops and bread going out of date...

"The shops have opened today for the first Rhine since Christmas Eve. I was up and out for 8.15...

"Haircuts!! ( sorry in advance for the rant). My 14 year old son had waited very patiently during lockdown 3 for his haircut .....once the barbers opened he left it a couple of days then off he went,he sat in line in the Barbers for two hours for this haircut which for a child to wait that long is huge but add autism to the mix it’s even more huge. Ever since he started secondary school he’s had a line shaved into his hair ..... it’s nothing OTT and it really does not look scruffy or Extreme ( or so we thought) ....... My son went to school and after a couple of days I were contacted about his hair .......

"Ive had a great week through CoVid realities. Getting the opportunity to voice my opinions on uniform costs and bus passes...

What would have helped you avoid using one?: "Years ago when I was a teacher I used to give food into my local foodbank at Asda in Rochdale. I never knew much about food banks then...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "I wouldn’t say it was an upheaval but I’ve found the most difficult thing for our family has been adjusting to no baby/toddler groups. It sounds silly but it’s really been our biggest thing holding us back and I have seen the negative effects it’s had on my little one’s social skills."...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "there's been 3 big changes in the last year for me ive lost my father and still trying to grieve for him I've taken in my brothers health wellbeing and mental health care and my child has started school I would love to be able to put moved house here but still not getting very much help with that finding it a little disheartening when people come and go above us all the time we're currently stuck with the worst ones of all time atm so I m thinking of moving town but it's all so confusing the only good thing in the last year I can think of is my daughter I'd now able to read books and is loads more confident because she has started school and both of us have gained a few good friends from her being at school"

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "My upheavals have been my husband lost his job due to COVID which was horrific, stressful and beyond heartbreaking. That left us needing to apply for benefit help which left us with no money for weeks which obviously resulted in debt (debt is something I don’t normally do, I was raised if you can’t afford something you save until you can) so the impact on all of our mental health has been major...

"Feeling excited and hopeful for the future as a family, we are getting a puppy. Hopefully he will help the children feel more comfortable being out and about and he will act as a support for not only their mental health but mine too...

"Walking in rain home from foodbank. A 4 x4 car drove past through large puddle on road and soaked me...

"So tired with phonecall appointments that I couldnt be bothered with walking to foodbank. The woman in charge is OTT jolly...

"All I want is a fairer society where I feel valued."

"It has been a while since I last added to my diary. It has all started to open up again for me with work and so now I am looking at another period of major busyness...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "The biggest change for me over the past year has been with work. Not one massive change but a series of massive changes, back and forth...

"The Wife and I have both had Covid, and the Fatigue Is the worst side affect. The 2nd is the Breathing difficulties And the thick gunge coming from the lungs not been able to swallow...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "Hi, The pandemic for me has been extremely difficult as I suffer from mental health issues, I have strict routines and time frames that I would normally live my life around. So things were in complete upheaval for myself and my daughter which was stressful for us both.I do not have any close friends or family members, which has meant I have also been isolated as far as contact with other people is concerned...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "Nice to see you! I’ve not been here for a few weeks as I couldn’t face sharing anything. My sister died, 6/5/20...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "Sorry I meant although imm seeing more money coming in, because of the debt I'm in, I'm yet to actually feel the benefit of having a little bit more cash."

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "I was on income support and my youngest is still 4, so under those rules i wasn't expected to look for work until my youngest turns 5. I know the rules are different for universal credit and that is a major reason why I stayed on the legacy benefit income support and child tax credits...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "So following from that last bit....thenstart of lockdown last year was what I see as a violent act towards my home and family, our house was raided and I lost my co parent, my children lost their father, and suddenly we had no support from anywhere. Lockdown was in full swing and I love far from my familybamd friends at least 60 miles...

"Lonliness and isolation getting to me. Am I that bad a person that no one wants to know me? Just a sad middle age mum of a teenage girl with autsim. Not worthy of a converstion from anyone. Rejected by the other mums as not in their league of wealth. I may not have much but Im clean .and well spoken...

"Sat lovely weather again. Daughter with autsim wont go out as too busy with tourists. It is soul destroying. No support from school or health care as overwhlemed with the fall out from lockdowns"...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "it’s been really hard to see my daughter go off to university and see her struggle so much with her mental health. My son couldn’t play for his under 15/under 16 football team for months...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "First of all, congratulations Jim and I hope the move is as stress free as possible. I changed jobs last year in Jun/July as restrictions were starting to ease but it still very much felt like lockdown. I have now been in my job for almost a year and am still to meet the majority of my colleagues face to face...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "Rent arrears which is a pain as 2 years on from me signing onto UC these glitches still have not been ironed out. Its ridiculous."...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "Change the uniform policy as the uniforms are just far too expensive and it leaves people in debt. £390 for a secondary school uniform is astronomical especially when the local education authority only give you £75 towards the cost which doesnt even cover a blazer."...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "This group has been an amaxing support network for me. I enjoy the zooms as we all get to talk about serious matters but we also have a laugh at the same time...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "Yes I receive money from the government as my children are on Free school meals which has been a huge help."

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "Technology can often go wrong. Its not entirely reliable. What ever happened to sitting face to face with a real person and explaining the benefits in a nice way instead of over the phone or online...

What big changes have you gone through in the past year?: "The biggest upheaval this year has been my 12 year olds transition from primary to secondary school. She didnt get much of her last year of primary school and ontop of that she moved to a school where she knew noone...

"This time laat year we had a heat wave in Northern Ireland and today was a glimpse of that lovely weather. When the weather is fabulous peoples mood changes...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "Today was amazing as my daughter, her best friend and my best friend were abke to go to a local park and we were allowed to sit outside the cafe in the park on the picnic benches for the 1st time in months and eat our food and drink our coffee. The children were exited...

"My daughter started back to full time taught lessons after not seeing her bubble class since mid December. Her school skirts no longer fitted her...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "I feel under quite a lot of pressure to get a job and my anxiety is through the roof. I used to be in a professional job and now there is no 'bridging the gap' between being unemployed and employed...

"More corruptuon in the news of welathy men This time in football. Meanwhile Im told to think positive and be confident. That will get my daughter the education she needs from a school who treat her as if she doesnt matter...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "The things we wished we could do once lockdown is over, is for most part now, ironically, anything that means we do not have to be in a crowded place. Having had my first vaccine and now awaiting to get my second by May (given the way things are moving quickly with the vaccines) I can only be grateful for being one of those patients who have underlying health conditions. I just hope everyone can use this newfound freedom once again with a little more sense than the other two ease of lockdown occasions where it was some people behaving like they got the Golden Ticket to Charlie and the Chocolate 🍫factory"

"So the £20 COVID payment has stopped and a lump sum of £500 went into the bank so the working tax credit is now back at £12 a week ...... not sure why they think paying it in a lump sum is right and wonder why they didn’t give people a choice ..........

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "I am fortunate to be in full time work, but I do claim Universal Credit. They leave me alone as I earn enough to keep them happy...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "I have been claiming benefits for a number of years due to mental health issues, what really gets to me is having regular health assessments where they ask you all sorts of awkward questions and details about hospital appointments ect. These people do not try to make you feel at ease and regard all your answers with susspition."...

"Really relieved to see the tax credits £500 lump sum in my bank this morning. I just wish they had the decency to tell me when I could expect it...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "My last job was 16hrs per week and I came out with £128 a week. I was pushed into covering annual leave for others...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "I have been pushed into work many times with promises of being mich more financially better off. By the time I have paid full rent, council tax and bus fares to work I was worse off by £15 a week than I was on benefits."...

"I’ve actually had a lovely week. The sun has shone and the fact of wearing less clothes has made me realise how big my waist line has got during lockdown so I’ve been out walking...

If you're on benefits, have you felt pushed into work? If you're in paid employment, what’s it been like for you?: "I volunteer in a benefits advice office so I’m allowed off work search for that time. So if I do three days in the office I only have to show proof of work search for the other two days...

"I'm frightened. Change is frightening. So many people are so excited to see everything open up again, and I'm glad for them, but for us it means less not more. Unless you count 'more' as more expenses to stress over. Today's meant to be the day that our local community center sends a bag of food items over for the kids...

"What can I do as a single parent to increase my income? "

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "Does not really change much for us. As a nurse I am still working my 2 part time jobs...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "I have been claiming UC digitally for 3 years now. It can be helpful as I can log information anytime I want to...

"I see that part time NHS workers who were hailed heroes during pandemic working extra shifts are now having to pay back Tax Credits huge sums of money . Boris slapping the NHS workere in the face again."

"Sun is shining blue sky daughter with autism not going out due to too many people about. Facebook has a group for single parents who are fighting to get child maintenance paid. Mostly young mothers...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "I feel nervous about the relaxing of restrictions. My fear is that people will be silly and we will end up back in lockdown again...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "In Scotland the restrictions are being lifted more slowly. Too broke to go shopping...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "Not much of a difference for my child and myself. My teen daughter has autism and does not cope with crowds, busy places, lights in shops, so we have been home most of the time anyway. She has also been out of school for 2 years...

"Well that’s official. Hubby is definitely being made redundant...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "I am slightly anxious about the lifting of restrictions but from the point of view of suddenly the expectation to meet with everyone we haven’t seen for a long time. I am looking forward to seeing friends and family again, some who I haven’t seen for months, but it’s still not normal times as the option to see people is outside. Currently it is freezing with snow showers so isn’t particularly appealing to want to sit in a garden and catch up with people. I am already noticing improvements in my children’s well-being as they have more options for socialising so that can only be a good thing?!"...

"Non-essential shops opened today and it’s blown my mind how different my life is to the majority of people. I’ve seen queues of people outside shops and hairdressers, and social media posts of excitement at shops reopening. It’s the first day and people just can’t wait to spend money, and they find pleasure in doing so...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "I'm excited!!! I saw my Dad for the first time since November (door stop visit on my birthday) last time we sat down together for a hug and chat was June last year. It meant so much for my daughters to spend time with Grandad...

"What an exciting day!!! For lots of people today is the day to start their normal daily lives again. I can't wait to pop to primark to top up the kids tshirts and leggings! They have both grown so much in the last year!! Being able to spend some time in a pub garden with my beautiful family or friends...

"I’m biting the bullet and sending my children back to school tomorrow and I’m terrified but the country seems to be getting some sort of normality back. I really am worried if there will be a 3rd wave and we all end up locked down again...

"As one woman grieves for loss of her husband in one of her many palaces many more in their modest home. As one widow will spend more on flowers and a hat for her husbands funeral, others will be humiliated at the lack of choices of coffin and no choice but to cremate as the DWP limit is £1000...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "Personally I am extremely anxious about the easing of lockdown. It is great that the rates are dropping fast and the vaccine is rolling out fast, but with high numbers in other parts of the world and new variants spreading we could end up in another lockdown...

"Unwell with blisters in mouth and throat...viral apparently The hand washing and masks kept Covid out but allowed anither virus in"

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "I have become apprehensive about the impending relaxation of lockdown. Until I’m able to find suitable employment our situation remains precarious...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "Our Crowdfunder finished and hopefully we will be able to get out soon and open our cookery school & eatery. Daughter is back at college and has been tested twice for Covid...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "Little things are making a difference. They garden relaxation two weeks ago was a big help. The children can have garden play dates, and I can meet other mums without us constantly having to run after wandering children. I’m not fussed by the pubs opening, but I’m looking forward to being able to buy clothes/books/toys from the charity shops when they open. I’m also hopeful that playgroups might start opening up soon too...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "Feeling very happy."

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "I am eagerly waiting to see restrictions easing in coming Monday as feel suffocated with restrictions. But we need to make sure that we behave responsibly by using mask, washng hand and keeping social distance."...

"Had my Dad to get his second vaccine last Wednesday. Got a call on Thursday to ask if I wanted mine so got it Wednesday of this week...

What does the weakening of restrictions mean for you and your family?: "The lifting of restrictions doesn’t apply to us here in Northern Ireland yet. We still don’t have any dates for anything opening...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "I miss being on Income support, sure I have a little more money technically in my account each month, but as debts pule up on UC it looks like more but can be used for alot less. UC feels like mental torture. It's a very unfair and unjust system, where people are treated as just statistics, data, inhumane...

"Gonne have a wee bit of a rant here, already had this rant with a friend but thought it might be good to share here as the purpose of this platform is to record such experiences afterall. To understand the rant here's a little back story, for context, our local community center, through the youth club that my kids attend outside covid, sends weekly food bags to families whos kids who go to the youth club...

"One of the dance mums who already has a large house and her kids attend every after school club on this planet and she goes out buying dress up outfits to take her wheely bin out and puts it on social media for attention, announced her husband who is an accountant, has secured a job a director of accountants in an oil company. I googled the salary. £80 000 -£168000 She has a career as a manager for a charity, does park runs every morning, in the amateur dramtic club and before pandemic, went to Disneyland and a Carribean Cruise with her family. Yes I am jealous.......

"Woke up to more snow. Tired of feeling tired. Checked bank acct and council stiill not paid the rest of the underpayment of housing benefit...

"This is gonna sound pretty and unimportant but I'm gonna share anyway to show how even tiny things, seemingly simple or unimportant things, become important parts of one's budget when funds are limited. A couple years ago I cut my hair short. Back then it was for emotional reasons, to get rid of old hair and grow in new hair that marks the time since I left abuse...

"I find myself unable to celebrate lockdown ending. Perhaps as the Gov keep changing the rules...

"More snow. Minus 3 this norning...

"Headache and tired. Missed out on lunch...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "We claim tax credits and I find the online system really frustrating as it forever says I can't do anything on my online account, that I have to call. To be honest I'd be much happier making small changes online (eg updating bank details) and only calling or using paper forms for big changes (eg changing job, or changing hours)...

"Minus 2 snow blowing sideways Its April Back to stressing about putting the heating on "

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "I have been claiming benefits for a number of years due to ill health, this has never been easy as the forms and medical assessments can cause a great deal of stress. However I do not think that decisions should be made by computer as every claim should be assessed individually buy someone that is fully trained...

"Our energy company approved us for their Warm Homes Discount scheme and they’ve credited our account with £140. This is on top of the No Child Cold scheme which credited our account with £80. It’s all a big relief. However, I do wonder if they could do away with all these extra schemes (that you have to find out about and apply for separately) by simply increasing universal credit to a liveable amount...

"We received a wonderful food parcel this week. Put together by a local church group (but funded by the government) it was the best, most considerately thought through parcel we’ve ever had...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "It’s a difficult one. I prefer using the computer, but only because I find the work coaches at the job centre worse! At least a computer doesn’t talk down to you, or turn up late, or sit judging you. If I could avoid having to trek to the job centre completely that would be wonderful...

"To regain power over the politican bullies we must vote to change."

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "As a WTC claimant I am so worried about the future with UC coming into force. Especially as a self employed person, how often do I have to answer questions about my earnings, what sanctions are in place etc etc...

How are you finding the latest lockdown restrictions?: "Very hard to follow as all family members staying home in a over crowded flat 24 hours."

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "NO. I don't need to except essential shopping and following government guidelines."...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "I am not in UC but feel anxious when computer decides my benefit as they go by the parameter they set for but some time it can do wrong and case advisor needed to judge individual situation often."

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "Involved here to share my Covid experience and gain knowledge from others. Also learn how to cope with this situation and make better future altogether as part of a society."...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "Life is chaotic but I'm loving it. I found the confidence to leave my abusive ex almost 2 years ago, I had hated him for years an was never able to find the courage to kick him out and not let him worm his way back in...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "My Daughter 7 really struggled with home schooling towards the end which prompted the school to allow her to return 2 weeks earlier. She's never had that much screen time and having to be stuck constantly facing a laptop with lessons from youtube, power point presentations and apps really dragged her down...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "Everyones circumstances are different, as much as it's hard to spend the time reviewing everyone's circumstances I feel it would be beneficial to understand people's needs more than being assessed in the same way"

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "I really enjoy reading other peoples experiences and being able to have my say. Life has changed a lot in the last year, I'm off benefits now, have a new job, my partner has moved in and we are really enjoying making memories whilst blending our families...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "I have been on UC for some time now. I am a lone parent and in work - which is to do with supporting people to claim UC...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "I've been fortunate in that I've had the opportunity to speak to the APPG on poverty twice now firstly back in 2018 and secondly earlier this year in 2021. The one thing I did say this time round is that it was like déjà vu we were still talking about the same issues that we were back in 2018...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "I am a lone parent to 3 sons, two are now adults and have left home and my youngest aged 16 lives with me. My son has had issues with anxiety and low mood since year five at school when he became increasingly ostracised & bullied by his peers...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "Hello there. I am fortunate to be computer literate having had one of the first home PCs back in the 1990s...

"How amazing is it that the weather changes your whole mood and outlook on life. It lifts the worry of having to put money on your gas and electric because you can spend it outside...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "This is something that Interests me for three reasons 1. I am in receipt of Uc 2...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "Hi Rosie, I'm on UC. The computer system is not friendly and is unable to differentiate in household circumstances...

What are your experiences of claiming UC? Especially the role of computers in making decisions about your benefits?: "Computers need humans to enter details. One mistake and blame the computer."...

"Checked bank account. Housing benefit usual fortnightly amount of £273 is reduced to £195. Its bank holiday long weekend and nobody can answer my phonecall in the council until they return on Tuesday...

"I heard yesterday that we do qualify for the £500 one off tax credits payment in place of the £20 a week UC uplift. Great news.....

"The cost of bills are going up, gas, electric, tv licence, council tax ect. but child benefit is rising by about 15p a week and other benefits are frozen...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "This is tricky. My kids are in some ways better placed to handle the lockdown as they spent their early years in a domestic violence version of a lockdown,of which the current lockdown is a miles better alternative...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "I'd offer a swap. I'd like to see how they'd feel if they were expected to survive on the incomes they think we can live on...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "My motivation for first joining covid realities was the vouchers, I was being moved onto universal credit and was relying on food banks at the time and would do whatever I got for a little extra money to help feed the kids. But I also really wanted to have my experiences be helpful to someone else, and that's why I continued to work with covid realities longer term, because I really want for our sufferings to be the examples used to prevent the sufferings of others...

"My eldest has had yet another growth spurt. This time in her feet...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "Good for the good and light at the end of the tunnel."

"It’s been a long week again money is tight even though we are going nowhere the cost of fuel, food and bills with the kids home is a lot. "...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "My COVID reality right now is fear. We are supposed to be loosening the restrictions but this is terrifying to me...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "I stumbled upon Covid Realities through a social media link around September 2020, after following the Child Poverty Action Group. Having struggled on a very low income throughout the pandemic and with our particular circumstances, I’d wanted to voice opinion of what life was really like for people like me, who’d found themselves in a predicament where ends did not meet...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "I joined COVID realities because as the pandemic began I very quickly felt things getting harder for us. All of a sudden everyone was buying all the food, bulk buying and preparing...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "It is a lifeline when I can get online! there must be so many families struggling with access to the internet which many take for granted. Working hard on my social enterprise cookery school at the moment, it's hard to remain focused when you are struggling so much, but I remain determined x"...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "I first got involved with covid realties after checking a benefits calculator online and finding the link. I was not sure what to expect but felt it was a good idea to be able to put down some of my experiences of living on a low income with the hope that the ministers in government may realise that the benefits system needs updating so that people like myself have access to a fair system that leaves them able to support their families in a way that enables them to have access to fresh healthy food, a warm home and clothing...

"Whether my ex earns £400 or £4000 a month, the payment my daughter receives through child maintenance is the same £0. And the point of child maintenance service is? "

"Clocks went forward 1 hour. Thank goodness for an hour less of this life...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "I first took part in covid realities because I was very much involved in studies and participating in the research and understanding of the pandemic I wanted to help in any way I could and this was a way of doing this over the past year covid realities has been a rock and you have all been amazing I really do feel heard by all of you and you are the kindest people the little surprises that you send out are so thoughtful and very caring mental health has been a big issue for myself and for everyone else around me and in this study and the kind words and the thoughtful gifts and emails checking in make me smile so much and come at times when I need to be reassured there are kind people like the amazing people on your team I wear the covid realities hat you sent us all in the winter time everywhere 8 go and everyone that has commented on it I've told about how you amazing people have given me a voice and helped by showing that your listening and I tell them to get involved because your all doing such a great thing researching the pandemic and more your helping us all I am glad I joined covid realities and talk very highly of you all you have all been absolutely amazing and I don't think I would've stayed as positive and as strong in this pandemic without you all listening and letting the government know what we all have to say about what's happening to us all through this and I thankyou all for that and I hope that the posts I've sent in have helped with your research hope you all have a great day and stay your positive happy selves :)"

"The last year has been a challenge to say the least, I’ve had many dark and down times as my mental health plummets in a daily basis. It’s been a struggle to stay upbeat for the kids when all I want to do is sit in a corner and cry...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "Covid realities has become my life saver during this pandemic, it has allowed to me to take myself away from my family unit and be something more than mum and wife just for a few minutes I’m involved in something much bigger. It feels so important the work covid realities is doing and I’m so very thankful to be a part of it in every way I can be...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "What does COVID realities mean to me..... when I first joined I think I liked the fact I had a space I could vent my frustrations on a system that really gets to me on how it treats those less fortunate...

"I think it is great that parents can get covid lateral flow tests delivered to your home address for twice weekly testing. both myself and my daughter can now test twice weekly at home which is easing some of my anxiety."...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "I can say exactly how I feel without others dismissing/ calling me depressing/ negative/ bitter. These are the ones who are fortunate enough to work from home and keep their jobs and income. They are the ones who ignored me when I needed support...

"The rash that has appeared on my arm at the sight of the injection, 10 days after having the vaccine has doubled in size. It is very hot and itchy. My arm feels heavy...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "I haven't been managing this no cost over winter doing covid. I'm lucky and I get the extra hundred and forty pounds winter payment, but we just don't have the heating on simple as that...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "How does my life? I don't want to start we had Community Arts business and we're also I'm co-chair of your IP addresses Alliance which took a dramatic change very quickly the beginning of covid we've gone from trying to do but no change policies ideals by the media also to running a three-day week food bank because there's a massive need for it. Oh, so we take on other people's emails asking for food Direction where to get help with to go. We've had to listen and want to listen to people's problems whether it's getting benefits whether just needs to chat because when I station or another own, I've caught two more media being a veggie...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "Hi, what about the new budget ideas of extending the 20-pound uplift one over six months is? But dubious is we're getting out of pay money that you kind of owe people had a five-year sort of benefit freeze unless you can argue about quite a lot of help during covid and many people haven't which is something that needs to be addressed. I think looked at as well...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "Hi, I'm times the question. How am I children's mental health during covid and I think for any parent this is quite an emotional one to answer my as many people know and looking at my videos If you see them one of my children is going down a pathway and I've mentioned previously before that having the time off for learning at home hasn't been a positive just try extremely high. Hard I didn't go too...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "I work on another study with Ruth and a friends from that study told me about covid realities. I think the reason I got involved is knowing that there is a possibility I could help to make changes or even just help someone else feel better about their situation and what they’re going through...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "He means to me this year is a community side of things people come together. They had shared stories...

"Looking forward to getting out more now the weather is changing!! "

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "Hi, I got involved with covid realities via child poverty and Action Group. I'd already done some work with them around poverty and child poverty in particular...

What does Covid Realities mean to you right now?: "I can’t remember how I found COVID realities, but I came across it somewhere and i thought it looked interesting so I signed up. I’m glad I did and I have been involved in things that I never thought I would be capable of doing...

"I've been in and out of tears all week. Hungry yet scared to eat...

"My husband took the car to the garage to ask them to investigate a noise. The electric handbrake needs fixing...

"Feeling really fed up. Just heard our graduations won’t go ahead this summer...

"One year on from the start of lockdown. Is the future really going to improve fro the many families in society trying to survive on a very limited income ? We can only hope...

"Been a few months since I last wrote on here, being back at work and my son being at school still, helped us stay in some sort of routine and 'normality'. Thankfully. At the beginning on this month (march) my son found out what high school he got for this coming September...

"My kids are only just back this week for their first full week of school and college. It's not that long ago that my 20 year old daughter went back to uni...

"It comes to something when it’s your own family who are being so insensitive complaining about not being able to go abroad. Wish people would think before they complain...

" School phoned to ask why my daughter not working on her maths at home. I aked when will she get a tutor again as other children have been back to school for nearly 3 weeks now. Never a prioity SEN pupils with autism not supported in school. I dont get paid to do a teachers job."...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "One of my sons is especially struggling mentally with the situation. I feel I may need to access some help for all of them once life starts getting back to normal."...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "I would ask if any of them feel they could genuinely live for a month on what is given to UC recipients. Not luxuries just bog standard living...

"I’ve been unwell with my health conditions this week, I’ve been unable to do much of anything. I did however enjoy the interactions with the COVID realities audio meeting it’s strange how interacting with other people can help you mentally and that in turn helps physically...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "I would ask them why people like my family have been ignored. What were they doing to address certain issues such as homelessness and rental affordability...

"A bright sunny weekend. As the offshore workers offspring who bullied my daughter at school hang around in groups wearing clothes innapropiate for 14yr olds.and smoking on the promenade, my daughter refusing to go outside...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "My eldest son is 16 and the pandemic and home learning has impacted him the most for the last few months (ie) lockdown 3 his mental health has declined he hardly ever left his bedroom didn’t want to get out of bed or even have a shower however now school has re opened he seems to be getting a little more like his old self again after spending time socialising with his school friends. My 3 youngest it hasn’t affected that much as all 3 have continued to go to school as I’m a key worker...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "NO"

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "From my energy provider I applied for some Grant's which accepted and adjusted now with my monthly bill."

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "Yes. Postponed holiday trip overseas."...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "STAY CALM GO SLOW LOOK BACK"

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "New lockdown new restrictions but aim to limit infections and death rate. So eagerly waiting to get back in normal life ASAP."...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "It is very hard to stay 24 hours surrounding by kids. They had not much things to do as school close and most of the time busy with technologoly which affects adversely on their physical and mental stability...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "I received working tax credit but not UC. So didn't get any extra payment through them."...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "NO"

"The vouchers we get for participating here really are a life-saver. I was able to buy my daughter some new clothes this morning and it felt wonderful...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "Hi, I would like to ask them to seriously look into what help and support there is for families living on a low income. I am a single parent father and I am extremely concerned about the future for my daughter...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "No I didn't face any difficulty for self isolation though it is very hard to do that in a over crowded house."

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "Yes. I received support...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "NO"

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "To formulate rules and policy it is very important to hear public's real life history. It gives insight public life and help policy makers to make policy correctly."...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "Life is going average and now a day there are no enjoyment but just passing days and waiting for lockdown lifted to socialise."

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "New budget looks fine but need to put more money for NHS and education as well as for creating more job."

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "Not really. We tried to stay harmony and enjoy ourselves by watching movie, playing games and cook food together as I can't go outside."...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "From my daughter who is 14 Why do think Im not worth a proper home with a garden? Why do you hate children? Why are you punishing me? Is it my fault my dad beat up my mum and put her in hospital? Because you wont let us have a nice home or enough money for treats? Do you think its ok for abusers to live in luxury and not be arrested for not paying maintenance? Because thats what you do. Don't you care?"...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "Be honest was the pandemic exaggerated by Brexit failings?"

"I have a folder. The first week of every January I spend ages with the children, exploring ideas for the year ahead...

"Relationship with partner developed a bit during lock down but at the same time faced also new sorts of arguments that never raised."

"Family bonding gone stronger than ever due to lockdown and staying home everyone though a bit of arguments."

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "Take a masterplan for recovery of economic together with all parties and include academic, scientist, public etc by finding new sectors for employment, tackle crime and climate change."

"Well the last weeks have been strange, I got put into the clinically extremely vulnerable category and advised to shield ...... this came as a bit of a shock as I had not been put into this category in both the first and second lockdown even though I did think diabetics should be classed as ex clinically vulnerable .......

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "When will they stop stigmatising and marginalising the poor, and wake up to the reality that we provide the backbone of this society. We are the single parents, the disabled, the working poor who sweep your streets and serve your meals. We should not have people going hungry in our country."...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "I want a complete overhaul of the social security system in consultation with the people who use it. I want it to meet us as equals, as fellow human beings...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "Hi, Mel, what I would like to ask the politicians is would they live? The life we live today like to walk in our shoes for another day, but a month take nothing with them and live in our shoes for one whole month in November maybe when it's dark and cold and Fierce and Christmas. Just walk that knife would they do it? How did I think they would fail?"

"What a difference to my mood the weather has made. Being able to get out...

What would you ask or say to politicians?: "Great question this week. Thanks Mel...

"Reality check when the Gov spend a fortune on making themselves look good and allow hildren to go hungry."

"A treat in with food parcel today. A box of lemon whirls. Coupd devour them all in one go..."...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "I’ve really noticed how much more dependant my children are on me and my husband during the pandemic. Normally my 17 year old spends a lot of time at college, work, theatre group and out with friends...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "My oldest child has felt the kind of isolation which the Pandemic can bring since last year. He has become more clingy and socially he has a hard time to let go...

" Loss of appetite does notmean loss of weight. Herbalife is the choice of women on social media. An expensive gimmick diet. Along with the expensive OTT beautiful bespoke birthday cakes for their children's birthdays...

"So upset with my universal credit coach. He's not a bad chap, he's professionally friendly and respectful but he's so unaware of his own privilege it's galling...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "My 14year old daughter had severe anxiety due to autsim before the pandemic. She thrived in first lockdown as the streets and beach was empty...

"Not all professionals know their job or do their job well. Its not you or your child's fault that the Local Authority cannot provide vital services needed...

"Great news from the Scottish Government today. The perpetrator will be removed from the family home so the children and mother are not homeless. 7 years ago I walked away from violence and fear with my children and my dignity barely in tact."...

"Living in a rural area with no bargain shops for 10 miles. A simple putchase of a single lighbulb has become a difficulty. Choice 1 pay £13 return on bus to bargain shop 10 miles away to spend £1.49 for 2 pck lighbulbs. Choice 2 order online in grocery shop, which lowest amount to spend is £40 to qualify for delivery prices of £4.50...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "Hugely in my eyes, but probably not ‘enough’ to get any help. Having little money means we can’t access the little things that will help as lockdown is eased...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "Both my children have fallen behind with their speech and general development as they have had little to no contact with other children for a year. They were already struggling and the pandemic has exasperated the problem...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "One of the children were off school die to an outbreak but the little ones are still attending nursery obviously i cant leave a 7year old at home whilst i take baby 2 nursery"

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "I received 2 vouchers one in December one in January for 39 pound didn't help much but its better than nothing"

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "I have money taken for water arrears and ongoing consumption £36 Council tax deductions £20 Budgeting advance repayments £38 This leaves me with 182 per month to provide for my family and it is extremely tight"

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "My life has become so mundane i litrally drag myself out of bed in the mornings just for the kids if i didnt have them i dont know what i would do but the days are long and drawn out it makes me a bit down but I know there are much worse off people than myself"

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "I don't think my child's mental health has been affected i dont allow my children to engage in anything in think will impact them negatively"

"I didnt think i woukd ever miss the school run and the normality of a routine was before mundane but now i crave it the chatting to the other parents at the gates getting home in time for Jeremy kyle and this morning 😂"

"It's great news that the number of people dying from coronavirus is coming down fast and that the vaccination rollout seems to be working well, but there are starting to be reports that new cases are rising in a number of areas since schools have returned, even before other restrictions are eased. If there is another lockdown in the autumn I really don't know how we will cope."...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "Hi I have a 14 year old daughter, due to long term health conditions I was very wary of leaving home since the pandemic started, this meant that my daughter had very little contact with the outside world except for online and by phone. As time progressed she became very withdrawn and quiet, also finding it difficult to sleep...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "My kids are definitely stressed out. They miss their friends and their peer group at out of school activities...

"Does anyone know any grants for single parents with no childcare finical help or family to look after your child? "

"I am getting worried as my child is getting older that I may not be able to handle the tantrums yet to come. I have been being so patient but after doing most of the parenting for the last year almost alongside minimal breaks, it is getting tested."...

"I am furious at the state of the world right now. After reading and watching the story of Sarah Everard, it is disgusting how women have been treated for decades, it is only just becoming more and more obvious! Looking back at the Yorkshire Ripper murders, we see that women are targeted, seen as easy...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "My eldest son is almost 16 years old, he is autistic and the whole lockdown situation has massively affected him. His mental health has been greatly affected, his school have a contact form for the kids online to message one of the pastoral team, which he did on Friday as he was suicidal...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "Hi just answering the question regarding children's mental health during the pandemic. My child has additional needs essien needs anyway, and attends a special provision, which is also helping him with some social emotional and behavioral needs which is quite significant. We'd only just found the provision so he'd only been attending for six months and the impact on his mental health was tremendous. My unfortunately, my sister passed away very early on and I'm sure that my own reactions and my own issues impacted my son as well...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "I felt so happy that the impacts to my three children during the first two lockdowns of the pandemic had been minimal, but have had my eyes well and truly opened during this current lockdown. My 9yr old has struggled the most this lockdown, really suffering from the effects of loneliness and isolation...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "I have worried about the mental health of my children. It is something that has become apparent both with the pandemic and our circumstances...

How has your children’s mental health been impacted by the pandemic?: "Hi Cat. This is something I have also worried about quite a lot...

"It's my birthday. Which makes me sad for two reasons, firstly cos my birthday always makes me sad...

"Mothers day. My daughter may not have had money to spend but we went for a walk together...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "What is missing from the minds of polictians? Compassion We are all human beings. To treat someoneas if they mean nothing is heartless...

"I had my COVID vaccine on Saturday, it was the Oxford one. Wow do I have a sore arm, it looks like someone has put half a tennis ball under my skin...

"My mind has run away with me since talking on the COVID realities zoom meetings and certain things that I have never spoken about due to shame and judgement that really should be spoken about, we shouldn’t ever feel shame for our circumstances especially when the whole system is built to make us fit these horrific stereotypes. I won’t do video even in my safe space of COVID realities zoom calls because I am very overweight, I know this is due to my health conditions and many medications, but people don’t see that they see someone who can’t be scrapping the breadline because they are fat so must eat lots and have lots of expendable cash for takeaways and treats...

"This time of year always plays havoc with my anxiety. The council tax and water bill is due, our car insurance and breakdown cover renewal also fall in this month...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "As usual, the government expects me not only to run around after my demented old Mum managing her finances and trying to arrange hospital appointments, for nothing, but they don't even have a plan for coordinating what the council social worker is prepared to do, for the pittance they get paid, with my Mum's hospital consultants and her local surgery who, after several letters and countless conversations, STILL ring me by default and NOT her social worker! Meanwhile, they can find £37bn for a 'test and trace' system (run by their mates and their mates' spouses and relatives) that has had no measurable impact on transmission rates but can't afford to increase nurses' salaries to keep up with inflation! I'm living in a dystopia."

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "Hi talking about Universal Credit uplift the 20 pound a month for six months. I don't feel that was really good enough...

"Rather stay single and broke than beg for a man to show love and give a token gesture of housekeeping that doesnt cover the bills and grocery shopping."

"Had a call from my credit card company at 8.30am to tell me I’m behind with payments. My debts are all managed through Stepchange and so I told them they shouldn’t be contacting me...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "Hi I think the £20 "uplift" had to happen because we are still in a Lockdown situation and this will only ease gradually. But what I object to is the hanging on - it was left right until the last minute almost. This isn't helpful...

"News full of the Royal Family / Meagan pantomime. Did her husband to be not tell her of the embarrassing relatives who speak their minds and say racist things without thinking? She really is a good actress and Im sure she was paid well by the media company...

"Nicola Sturgeon announced today that 2 families can meet up from different households which makes no difference to me. Primary school kids all back to school and older kids 12 to 17 years can play sports outside . Isnt it odd how the vaccine claims it doesnt stop the spread of the virus but the numbers of cases are dropping due to the vaccine...

"So in an attempt to get our business back off the ground we have started a Crowdfunder in order to launch our Community Cookery School. It does seem somewhat farcical that we are living ourselves in poverty but we are still trying to help others, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I have to keep going...."...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "So much was missing! The £20 may have been extended but until Winter 2021 - a time when thing's are not only going to be harder for those people already on UC, but forecasts are saying even more people will be made unemployed by this time! Is the government cruel or what?"

"Last Spring I fell into a depressive state. For me, being moved into Universal Credit, from the relative security of Income Support, and the pressures there of was emotionally difficult...

"Letter from BT prices rising from April by 3.9% I already had to double the cost of paying out to BT as cost of wifi fast enough to use online medical appts because of this pandemic "

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "I’m glad they have continued the uplift. Now is not the right time to stop it...

"With the news that lockdown won’t end in Scotland until the end of April, I’ve felt somewhat disheartened and ended up spending most days in bed uninterested in life. Honestly, I just got myself stuck in a rut. This week though I’ve decided to get out the house to the country park down the road and get us all some fresh air...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "Hi there. I am currently having £10 per week deducted from Income Related ESA because back in 2019 I applied for a social fund loan totalling £800 to cover some unexpected expenses...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "What a crock of shit, quite frankly. No longer term security for those on UC in receipt of the £20 which is necessary for being able to feel secure & plan...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "As far as I'm concerned, it isn't a uplift! To accept that low income families need more money and then take it of them is cruel practice at best. We are looking at food prices rising, tax increases, more unemployment and other housing costs increasing...

"I am hoping that with schools returning and some restrictions being eased that every one will still follow the rules around social distancing and mask wearing. fortunately I have received my first vaccine but am still extremely concerned about leaving home because of the fear of catching the virus and the effect it will have on the health and security of my daughter and myself."...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "It is good news that they are extending the extra payment, but when it ends this is going to cause real hardships for people when it comes to an end as it will put them back into hardship with an effective cut in what money they have to survive on. Overall I think there needs to be a complete overhaul of the benefits system to ensure that those who are genuinely unable to work are given enough money to support their families to be able to buy fresh healthy food and warm clothing without a continual struggle. I receive contribution based ESA and child benefit but have not received any extra help from the government since the start of the pandemic. I receive no financial help from my ex partner in order to support my daughter and have to rely on a food bank in order to be able to feed ourselves...

"I am astounded that so many people are oppressed by political views"

"Its International Women's day. We are supposed to be equal to men. We are not. "

"Great to see the financial support page. I was not myself aware until recently that energy and water companies can help with utilities for low income families. Back to school tomorrow, Not sure how I feel about this as I am very careful with my social distancing on the rare occasions I do go out but at least my daughter and I will get a covid test twice a week...

"HMRC workers to get 13% payrise Nurses to get £3.50 a week pay rise Full time unpaid carers to get NO rise in Carers allowance of £67.25 a week What the Conservatives really think about us"

"Poilticans should be made to justify why they think they are worth these salaries and if the public decides its not enough then have their salaries cut to £50 a week. After all that is how they treat job seekers."...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "The removing of the £20 from Universal Credit, speaks volumes of how little politicans think we are worth. How many politicans would do their jobs if they had to survive eon UC?"

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "What is missing from the budget is the same as every year for the last 10 years. No change to the Child Suppport Service...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "The government are disgusting!! They seems to sweep rising poverty under the carpet and think a blanket £20 for universal credit (without extending to legacy benefits and capped) is adequate. It isn’t it’s ridiculously shameful...

"This week has been a complete mess, I was meant to be being interviewed by someone from the BBC but on the day of the interview I had to cancel as my uncle passed away. It’s just all messed up. The budget as usual is pathetic, a blanket £20 extra for 6 months for universal credit is just an insult, £20 in these times won’t even keep a family warm for a week...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "Awful only extended until Winter 2021, what happens then? More poverty for so many of us and what about the £500 for others what is that about?"

"I have to say I’m sort of enjoying the lockdown at the minute. I’m enjoying spending time on my own...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "I haven’t felt any help from the £20 uplift apart from the fact it pays my tax credit over payment from ten years ago. However I am hoping it is paid out soon and I might get a bit of benefit from it for a few months."...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "hi, I'm I felt I couldn't even really watch it fully because There's just so little focus on what really needs to change. And there's no really uplift to services that support us in lower income brackets and those of us in particular with children with additional needs. I'm councils and offering any additional support at the moment. And it was depressing really to see that out of billions or millions that to support other areas in the UK. That the vast majority of those are not here not in the know. What's that may impact was that anyway in terms of local economic support? the Universal Credit uplift it is just I agree with someone who On here said it's just prolonging the inevitable. And we can't live like that one's the school voucher scheme goes and kids are back at school. I won't have that additional money to add to my shopping so that will squeeze me. And it just feels pretty hopeless this week."

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "Typical Tories. Can’t bear for the unemployed or ‘economically inactive’ to get anything ‘for free’. Out of all the scenarios for people on different incomes, it’s the people on universal credit who will actually lose money this year. Everyone else is better off. Have they had their head in the sand this last year? Have they not seen how financial inequalities equal health inequalities? How can we hope to recover from the pandemic, to help those who have had it harder because of existing inequalities, if we then take money away from them? Have we not learnt that so many of our essential workers are low income jobs? Did they not see the unpaid labour done caring for children and the elderly that our society depends on? I’m so cross and disappointed."...

What did you think about the new budget? Thoughts on the £20 uplift extension, or what was missing?: "As a family that is capped, I’m extremely upset on hearing about the budget. We have been ignored...

"I didnt hear the full details from the budget today. Removing the £20 top up from Universal Credit after 6 months is the wealthy kicking a dog when its down. "

"I felt victimised by school this week. I can’t say for certain that they treated us this way because we are on pupil-premium, and receive food vouchers/parcels. But that’s what it felt like. I’m pretty sure they don’t treat the other school families like they did us. My 5 yr old has been struggling with her mental health and in the last week has completely turned off from online learning...

"looks like the £20 uplift will be removed before i get to experience it properly in fact its there in black and white but in fact its paid for the advance i had to take really even then it may still be owed two months payments we shall see"

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "Pre-pandemic my life had structure, and balance. There were plenty of opportunities for fun days going out, meeting people, attending playgroups...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "I'm not having anything taken from my benefits at the moment but only because they agree that we can't afford to repay my tax credit overpayments right now. Every April this gets reassessed and it causes so much anxiety every year until we hear the decision...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "Relentless is the best way I can describe life right now. I'm constantly surrounded by people and I am desperate to be alone...

"Applied for my daughter's university accommodation yesterday. She's so excited to head off to uni in September but I can't help but worry about money...

"Yet its the Governement that decide what tou are worthy of......lowering self esteem of millions of people who depend on benefits"

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "Hi, I would describe my life at the moment as lonely and uncertain. I am a single father with a daughter living with me since my ex partner left about 5 years ago, I am unable to work due to mental health issues and live on benefits which is a struggle for anyone, but I have no close family or friends so since lockdown started last march I have had virtually no contact with the world outside my own home...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "As a disabled lone parent, I find that I am constantly living in survival mode, hanging on with gritted teeth whilst maintaining a smile on my face. I keep on having to postpone any nervous breakdown or self care, because there's always something happening...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "I am finding my life a bit easier atm. It’s been a crazy year...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "I currently lose £68 per month from my Uc. This is for a tax credit overpayment from 10 years ago...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "The government need to understand the effect a deduction has on a persons ability to survive on UC. Until you have been in that position you will never understand it."...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "My life is all about my kids and my work. Trying to give the children a bit of routine, not destroy their future with my appalling homeschooling and try to not let lockdown affect their childhoods too much...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "I would describe my life as very centered around my 2 children at present. It is noisy and we are in the house more...

How would you describe your life, and how do you feel about it?: "I am enjoying some bits of my life....I am reading more books (I am on my 11th book of 2021), I am running every other day (something new since January) and that coupled with regular dog walks means I feel good about how much I am moving. But I'm being ground down by work - I work for a mental health charity and finding it tough - I've come to dread using the phone and making calls; preferring to hide behind my screen. I love having my children around me but I am looking forward to them returning to school because the massive impact of not playing with their friends and learning amongst peers is having a very obvious effect. We have struggled with motivation of home learning...

"This weekend was probably my most favourite in absolutely ages!!! With the sun shining yesterday we were able to play outside, the kids on their bikes/scooters and playing in a old box! We cleaned the cars, weeded the front garden and other outside jobs. Then today we headed for a very muddle walk and picnic! Tree climbing, puddle jumping, mud covered fun! It felt so good to be outside in the fresh air we all needed it! "...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "Its important because these are the people that are dealing with living on very low income. These are the households relying on recurring loans because their household income is so low...

"Hi all, I have just received my first dose of the covid 19 vaccine, this was completely painless and I am very relieved to at least be partially protected. I would advise everyone who is offered the vaccine to take up the offer so we can all keep ourselves safe...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "Hi again, a retrospective entry from me. The biggest question for me is what could the government have done to make things easier a lot clearer with their information...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Hi, I'm I felt that this because it was a retrospective answer. I felt that it wasn't necessarily appropriate for me to answer this but I really want to because parenting for me is alone and I don't have familial support...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "Hi, I'm yes. I'm having an amount deducted from one amount that I already owed them...

"I'm so stressed and scared right now that I've been crying for the last five minutes. Universal credit sucks. My UC playdate is the last day of each month. This month that's the 28th...

"Why has this veen allowed?"

"The DWP ruthless system to make it difficult.for people to claim disability benefits, who have caused people to take their own lives and cause poverty have decided in April to make a change fod the better.....they are changing the colour of the envelopes from brown to white. "

"I am concerned about the new unlocking timetable, to say there will be no restrictions after June is not going to be possible in my opinion. A lot of people will be out over the summer and cases will rise again in winter...

"Getting really fed up with hearing about how we will be able to go on days out and holidays in the summer. All that needs money...

"This week has been a long one with no concept of time or days. It’s becoming so much harder the longer it’s going on...

"Watched Boris give his steps out of lockdown speech for England. Lets hope it the last lockdown. Waiting to see what Nicola says tomorrow for Scotland "

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "I have had to access a test but it was really fast the results were a long time though self. isolating is a lot harder accessing food and supplies is very difficult and ended up being very expensive"...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "£30 a week is a huge amount to be taken from my benefit to pay back a loan for £200 from last year. It was put on hold in 1st lockdown but not this time."...

"The council are providing free sanitary products. Need to wait 3 weeks for delivery...

"I am looking forward to hearing what the government plans to do in regards to easing restrictions on Monday and starting to get children back to school. The vaccinations seem to be going well but I myself am concerned that some restrictions will be eased to soon which could possibly lead to another lockdown or rise in coronavirus cases...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "Hi, fortunately I do not have deductions taken from my benefits. I feel it is really important for people living on benefits or struggling financially to have their experiences put the the policy makers as there are a lot of problems that people face that are not caused by any fault of their own, it can also be very difficult for people to find the right help and information about help they may be entitled to...

Can you tell us about the impact it's had on your family?: "Because often policy-makers are completely out of touch with the realities of living in poverty. It is hard for people to see past their own privilege and truly understand another’s experience...

"After seeing posts on social media about people receiving cold weather payments of £25 into their bank accounts it got me thinking how much people are not aware of the £140 warm home discount....... this can be applied for yearly by those on low income directly from your gas/electricity supplier if people are eligible it’s put on either your gas or electricity meter and is a huge help , This is one of a few things my family are entitled to and it’s a huge help but I’ve realised through Facebook groups and the work I do with my community food bank that not everyone is aware of this discount...

"I heard today that I’ve been added to the shielding list. It just feels like this will never end...

"this regards the transitional payment some have received when moved from legacy to UC your given payments so you are not worse off how much did government save by not forcing the migration to universal credit from legacy benefits no change of circumstance JUST COVID19 was the only factor along with advice of @RishiSunak 26th march 2020 because i am hearing some did get "

"seems like i got it wrong in a diary entry when i was expecting a backdated payment but i did get the extra element for lcwra i have got some further info on debt management but will wait until i get it in writing"

" Здравейте.ежедневния ми живот е труден вече не издаржам на напрежението дащеря ми иска да ходи на училище ние нямаме пари за униформа , вече имам статут за уседналост за 5 години трябва да кандидатсвам за иншуранс и дано си намера работа.благодаря"

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "yes we receive the income for school meals when school has been closed. school received some funding for low income families...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "Nothing unexpected due to the pandemic apart from the already mentioned increase in heating and food bills because of having the children at home. School provided my daughter with a laptop."...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "Technology. Old tech not up to the job or not enough tech to go round the family...

"I haven't had any relationship in over 15 years. It's just me & my youngest - my 16 year old son at home now...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "No I hadn't made any plans anyway"

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "We received vouchers for supermarkets, which could only be used instore. As a single parent using these proved difficult without having to take my children out with me...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "I've had to take a mortgage holiday because I couldn't work, being on a 0 hour contract I was entitled to no help. My benefits didn't cover all my bills and my ex couldn't afford his child maintenance"...

"I have decided it's time the kids went back to school, as I'm on a low income they have vulnerable spaces which they have been allocated since the beginning of lockdown but I never accepted but I feel now it is needed. My 7 year olds mental health is really suffering...

"My Covid reality today is that I have received a cold weather payment - the second so far this year. I'm glad that we receive them as I have to keep the temperature in my home a constant level otherwise I suffer painful flare ups with my neurological condition...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "I received help with food parcels from my local single parent group, which was really helpful. The food parcels were good...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "I’ve been lucky enough to be able to continue with my job and have managed to get a 2nd job, this of course increased my work expenses but I can’t change that. I had not anticipated the cost of homeschooling with increased energy bills, paper, ink, craft supplies etc so that was an unexpected expense."...

"So much if being on universal credit (even job seekers back in the day) is about waiting. Waiting for the next statement, the next pay day, the next check up (aka phone call from coach during lockdown, out if lockdown it'll mean visiting the job center ever two weeks to sing n dance about applications and such). Waiting for replies from job applications. Waiting for new bill letters so you can plan which bills can be paid or skipped each month. Waiting for the stress to ebb. Spoiler, it never ebbs, just a constant pulsing tension...

"This week sadly a friend of the family passed away due to covid he was only a couple of years older than me he leaves behind a wife and 3 young children. I just cannot wrap my head around how someone so young and healthy with no underlying conditions can just be taken so quickly...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "As a disabled lone parent with an underlying neurological condition & co-morbidities, I consider myself vulnerable to COVID19. But because my condition, Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy is not so well known about even though it affects 1 in 50 of the adult population, we haven't made it onto any GP, NHS or Government lists...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "No. We are no longer eligible for help with free school meals because I chose to remove my son from Local Education Authority provision & home educate him...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "No. I home educate my 16 yo son...

How has COVID-19 impacted your mental health?: "I have a history of chronic depression both post natal & reactive. I am also on long term antidepressant therapy due to my history of low mood, but because it also helps keep the pain from my neurological conditions stable...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "My washing machine broke (probably because it’s being used much more often) and that was incredibly difficult"

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "I have had to buy a more expensive wifi package at twice the price as the budget package I had was not strong enough to support video link calls with healthcare and school."

"Big news today in the media is the Do not resucitate patients with learning disabilities. We are being stripped of our human rights. I said from the beginning, a cull in the elderly, disabled and vulnerable would lessen the payouts of benefits. This is murder of the unfittest who cannot work to pay taxes and a drain on society...

"Snow is slowly melting Rain and a strong wind keeping us indoors. Fed my daughter and I ate the leftovers. "...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "See above"

"One thing I forgot to mention in my last diary which frustrates me so much. My husband has 2 children from a past relationship and the divorce settlement required him to pay £105 PER WEEK! For the children he’s not even got access to...

"So today I feel at a real low point. The kids are doing great which I wonder how in earth I’ve managed to keep that side going on top of everything else...

"My third Covid reality is that my life is now measured in the number of boxes that arrive at my house with my online shopping seeing as I'm trying to shield as much as possible. Whilst I hate shopping anyway, online shopping fulfils my needs perfectly, but unfortunately, I dislike my reliance on Amazon & on bigger organisations who can offer cheaper prices because they push out the small traders who quite simply can't compete....

"I am really struggling with my mental health at the moment, I have no confidence and find it extremely difficult to explain how I am feeling even to health professionals. The future seems so dark and far away at the moment."...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "My biggest unexpected expense was the cost of broadband and buying a laptop for my daughter to be able to carry on with her school work to the highest level possible."

"My 2nd Covid reality this week is a question. Why are the products that are usually £1 in the shops now £1.25 - the prices are starting creep up...

"My first Covid reality this week is that my 16 year old son who is also my young carer has been denied Carer's Allowance as he is the equivalent of full time education as I home educate him. Yet he & I are together 24/7 365 days of the year now & I rely on him a lot...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "I think probably like most people I've experienced. My heating bills have gone up massively and electric but I mean, you know again you sort of manage that and you can mitigate that gainst not traveling as much but also it's costing me more myosin her sensory processing disorder...

"My partner has again been denied of PIP, which makes things so difficult, as we are only living on around a grand a month, and after bills have been paid, it feels like we are left with barely enough for everything we need. We have had to postpone some bills just to afford normal(ish) living "...

Have you faced any unexpected expenses because of the pandemic?: "We’ve not experienced unexpected expenses"

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "As we home school, always have, we don't qualify for additional support such as vouchers. However, my children attend a youth club at our local community center who have been very busy each week sending a bag if activties and food items to children...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "I'd like to get tested. There is a few sites in out neighbouring towns specifically for testing people without symptoms...

"Hi a lot has happened since my last entry. I had started a new job & started my nursing course...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "I live in Aberdeenshire & we get money directly paid into our bank account for our daughter. Although the amount seems to change month to month"...

What are you having deducted and what impact is it having?: "Not only am I paying back the 1st ever advance payment I was given when I applied and was waiting for my 1st Universal Credit to kick in last year of £100, I am also repaying the £200 advance payment I had to borrow as a result of the first lockdown taking my budgeting to a 0 balance because people were stockpiling. This meant, in order to succeed to get those low cost items desperately needed for our food cupboard, after 5 supermarket visits in less than 2 days unsuccessfully, the expensive alternatives started to add up...

"Long hours, exhausted after walking an hour to childminder then work a full day then walk back to childcare then home again. Child tired and hungry, cooking dinner and too tired to eat it. Child in bed and I never asked what happened at school. Turned out the childminder's own children were bullying my daughter and my daughter was desperately unhappy missing her mummy...

"When your local MP ( Consevative) advises a single parent to go to food bank when you ask for him to support you to sort out the Child Maintenance Service so her child isn't living in poverty. #FixTheCMS #patronising #worthless "

"The tolen gestures of support frim the Gov all come with clauses. If you dont tick the boxes then you can't get the financial support for childcare or clothing for an interview."

"Its not much of a life when you are constantly repressed by the minority of Eton College graduates."

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "I am not in receipt of free school meals but my daughter is. In Northern Ireland the government put money into your bank every four weeks in place of the school meals...

"Tonight's temperatures in Scotland. Heating should be free...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "We recieve vouchers now but in the last lockdown we got the boxes of food which were shockingly poor. Not the schools fault they use chartwells who do the meals but a loaf of bread, small block of cheese 2 baked potatoes...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "One of the questions on the notice board and big question of the week was I think food Parcels or food vouchers. I consider myself extremely lucky although I thought for a long time to get my son into a specialist provision because he has additional needs but it's taken a very long time in a big fight to get there...

" Whats your worth?"

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "At the beginning of lockdown my daughter received a packed lunch dlelivered to our home by a memeber if school staff. It was a battle, however a group of local parents managed to persuade the Local Authority Council to change a policy and each pupil who is entitled to free school lunch no receives monthly payments direct to bank acct"

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "My daughter is in her final year at college; fortunately she has been receiving £15 per week to cover school lunches. This is all well and good but she doesn't have a laptop! So we share, which means I am working into the night so that she can be online all day for college...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "We haven't had any problems and getting tested or self isolated and I drive so that's quite good. I know it would be quite a struggle if he can't drive near I'd like to use public transport how you would get to the testing center, but my son had tested positive and we had the isolate again and for another two weeks and we'd previously isolated three times and it is just so lonely and you feel just so dependent on other people and you don't want to ask for too much, you know, you usually end up to the shop if you forget to get milk or You forget to get bread or something, but you don't want to be having to ask people especially a few times a week...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "It's just harder to follow the restrictions because they've been going on for almost a year and I and everybody is tired and lonely and people are poor and have no money. They need support emotionally physically and mentally it's just draining and never seems to end."...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "We have no FSM support, this causes problems as we are a low income familiy, I am a single parent and self employed with a super precarious and changeable income but reciept of WTC automatically means we don't qualify. It's been like this for years...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "I receive help with free school meals from the Education Authority in form of bank cheques. (during lockdown and Christmas season). I am grateful for this gesture and I have nothing to complain about regarding this arrangement...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "Hi Maria, I do not currently receive free school meals for my daughter although I believe I would be entitled to this as I am a single parent in receipt of ESA due to severe mental health issues, mainly due to being embarrassed and the stigma involved for her at school. However since shortly after the first lockdown started we have been receiving help from a local food bank with weekly food parcels which we could not have managed without and are extremely grateful for...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "We’ve had a mixed bag of support. Our first bit of help was the food parcel over Christmas, as part of the COVID Winter grant, delivered by school. They had obviously tried, but when you’re choosing food for another family you’re never going to get it right...

"My husband has been furloughed since March 2020. He managed to get a part time job to top up our income over Christmas but that has now ended...

Have you received any support with food for your children since schools have been closed? And if you have, what was the support like?: "My children qualify for free school meals. They’re currently attending school...

"One week 'till halfterm!!! 🧐🤯😳😁"

"Relieved that school is closed due to Covid. Thick snow and my daughter doesnt have waterproof boots to walk in it."...

"This is how I’m feeling ill. Very depressed...

"Had biscuits for my Sunday dinner. "...

" Lost faith in the belief of working hard to a better way of life."

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "Testing centre is 20 miles away. Same with vaccine centre...

"Still snowing Freezing cold. Staying in bed to keep warm and make the day pass faster...

"I am currently feeling a bit confused. I probably watch to much of the news channel but there are to many different scientists and experts putting different information out about the easing of restrictions and effectiveness of the vaccine...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "I've had to sacrifice only twice for Hospital appointments and I've just had to take my child with me and basically isolated with her in the house. Either that or I would have to get her father to come and left her and take her away because it's absolutely insane and cruel to keep a child in a house on necessarily. The financial strain is another issue as well...

"One of the face book groups I’m on about saving money a girl had written a status today about her friend that was working earning £1000 a month and what percent of that wage goes on what bills. She asked did anyone have any idea at what percent the government thought we paid of our bills out of our benefits...

"I am a low income single parent. I have been trying to improve my lot in life through academic work...

"correcting i said Wednesday in last post it is Thursday"

"I’m having an incredibly tough time mentally at the moment. On Friday I developed a sore throat...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "Not had reason to be tested."

"We can emotionally abuse too Boris"

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "There is no way of me getting to a testing centre if I fall ill with no family support and services pulled back. I do not drive as I take seizures...

"When will people think for themselves and work out the sums?..."

"Abusers ruling the country and Im not handling it well as it reminds me of an abusive relationship I was in."

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "I'll just have to be more savvy when spending money. Hopefully I can start working again once restrictions are lifted to make up for it"...

What impact will this new lockdown have on you and your family?: "More missed family time, more uncertainty with finances, more stress for homeschooling. Nothing at all to look forward too"...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "When I look back on the last year I feel lucky to have had my children at home with me for company, I do not think I could have got through this on my own. I miss my family, I miss my friends and I miss being able to just go out and make memories with everyone together...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "Being unable to start my job to earn money and provide for my family. I need to do 4 days training 9-5 but unable to get a school placement to do this and I can't afford a childminder because the training is unpaid!"...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "I have 2 daughters who I'm homeschooling, I have found some days get so stressful that I end up just being so moody with them because I need to take some time to myself. It's constant feeding, cleaning, working, like I'm doing 50+ jobs in one day...

"Never forget"

"In the first lockdown, my familiy and I ended up being stuck in our village with no transport as my car went wrong and I couldn't get it fixed. There is no public transport and the cost of taxis here is prohibitive (£25 to the closest Co Op)...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "I did have to do a test a few months ago. I work with children and young people in several different settings and so couldn't risk being a "Typhoid Mary" but it did mean that as a Self employed person I just had to take the financial hit of not working...

"Believe in yourself I keep being told then people will like and respect you. But the gov dont belive in me."

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "Self isolating is difficult with young children as they get restless and also lazy because they can't go out. Self isolating was also difficult and stressful as I had to work from home at the same time as homeschooling 3 young children. I've not had issues getting testing...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "Thankfully we haven’t had any problems getting tested, we have access to broadband and a car. We’ve only had to do mini self-isolations whilst waiting for test results. They’ve been tough...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "£20 less a week will have a huge impact on us as a family. We already rely on free school meals and food parcels from the Winter COVID Grant in addition to UC, to get us through. We need a new car seat for my eldest, and new clothes for her (and with charity shops shut that’s going to be more expensive than normal)...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Oh we’re falling apart here. My children need so much from me, and we’re trying to support them through pandemic schooling and living under the restrictions...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "We are currently in isolation. As I do not own a car or motorcycle I cannot visit a test centre...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "Felt a bit unwell a few weeks ago tried to book a home test kit, but was told they couldn't send it out to me, no reason why. Feel better now so hopefully it wasn't the dreaded COVID. Self isolating is just boring but a necessary evil, go to the shops once a week, with mask on, in and out and that's it."...

"What a few weeks it’s been. As usual in Northern Ireland and I suppose the rest of the UK you never know when the rules are going to change...

Have you had any problems in getting tested or self-isolating?: "I have been very lucky that I haven’t had to get a covid test or self isolate. However my grandson who is 8 has had to have one...

"While mains tream media puts everyone on a guilt trip about overworked nurses...."

"I wish the government would give us clear information about the pandemic and the vaccine. I am over 50 living with diabetes and am very careful about leaving home but my daughter will be going back to school at some stage and I am extremely concerned about when I will be offered my first vaccine, since the start of the pandemic we have even been distancing ourselves at home and I believe this is now having an affect on my daughter."...

"Complained to ICE about child maintennace service not adhering to policies or replying to my complaints. Not hopeful of a solution to improve the Child Maintenance Service. I worked out since the pandemic began and payments not being made by my child's father my child could have had £2016 to keep her fed, clothed, pay for necessities such as a haircut and after school activities when they are open. He doesnt care and neither does the UK governement "...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "I've barely noticed the £20 uplift. But I know I would have struggled without it...

"Put a typo in my last diary entry today. Meant to put £146 not £166. There's no way for me to edit a diary entry once its sent in...

"£166.09 I got paid yesterday. I received £1207. Paid rent first, naturally...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "The extra £20 a week ensures we have enough to get by, even though we are struggling. When it is taken away, I'm not sure how we will manage."...

" A week of Covid related news and of course...Boris! So, February Halfterm-Cancelled! Debenhams as a Premium Discount Retailer-Cancelled! Experiencing Self care like taking that extra time to just reflect on the positives of when life gives us stillness (or lemons)-Springwatch just got itself an additional viewer!"

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "The budget has been messed up. I can no longer get through the week before it's time to stock up on food again unlike before the pandemic when we didn't have to spend so much time at home, and to some extent I've taken up cooking and baking as a form of therapy."...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "This pandemic has made money more difficult to manage. Heating has been on more as library is closed...

"This world keeps turning over the years and still the wealthy rule. They abuse the system and its accepted. I grew up believing the ethos of working hard to reap the rewards. To be kind and help those who less fortunate...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "Hi I receive the extra £20pw. I Also know that the government didnt reduce the housing element I get in my UC too...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "The proposed change is the difference between paying our bills and not being able to pay some of them. And if one off expenses crop up (like new shoes for kids etc) then you can't cover it...

"Prime Minister Boris Johnson came to Scotland today to promote the vaccine. I am not allowed to visit my grandaughter who lives 5 mins away but he crosses the border for a non essential visit to Scotland"

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Parenting and lock time. This time has become really stressful...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "I haven't found a big big impact from the 20-pound uplift because when I was moved from working tax credits to Universal credits, May Encompass more or less stayed the same so that level of support hasn´t went up a great mind considering I'm getting help but my rent except when I and however to take that will depart away is the difference between hitting the house or not. It's the difference between having the internet. Iran, so my channel can home school or not...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "hello the extra 20 a week has been the only thing keeping my house running I have recently been told that not only that will be taken away but the extra money granted to the housing element could be reduced also I am unable to move out of the damaged un managed property I'm being forced to live in by the council where I live because of the reduced amount I will receive if the government take it away. my mental heath isn't handling this so well and quite frankly with everything that's happened through this pandemic I am struggling to cope with all the issues I'm facing involving the money that will be taken away if they chose to take the 20 a week away I already get less money than I was getting on legacy benefits and it's very tough already I don't think I'll manage very well if the money is reduced in all fareness"...

"I fear for the future of my daughters and grandchild. Why are so many people walking around in denial?"...

"Hi how is everyone? This passed year has been crazy. The uncertainty, the flip flobbing of rules and regulations...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "Luckily I haven't needed any help with food cost. I have tryed do be realy carful and bargin hunt as much as possible...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "my Reflections on the year like no other has been basically how the community can actually come together when they need to or want to have people can come and voice their opinions their feelings how people can feel less isolated and alone because there are means out there even if they're little bit tricky to find and how passionate people are to create change and it's something Think I haven't noticed I saved quite a while on this scale. Maybe it's because I'm more involved I'm looking for it or yeah, but I think I think not I think it is the situation brought something in common...

"just had a look on my journal for a reply i asked the other day and last week for someone to call me still nothing this month ive been awarded the limited capability for work higher rate which means an extra £341.00 i put in for it in august nothing back dated or anything truth be known i dont think i was assed properly in march when i made my claim even though i reported my health condition ie heart attack..."

"This past few days, maybe a week, has been the lowest I’ve felt during the pandemic. I think seeing my children actually suffering with the effects of lockdown is what is getting to me...

"Uk government conveniently killing off the elderly and vulnerbale who drain the economy. Only the strong survive to work themselves to the bone to fill the fat cats bank accounts"

"It’s either a lockdown or it isn’t! Seems the lockdown has only locked down the social side of peoples lives yet They can continue to go to work?! Seems to me we are safe to go to work to pay taxes and keep the fat cats fed and save the economy yet when it comes to peoples lives I would dare say the mental health problems that many have or may be experiencing far outweigh the pandemic. Today people are walking around like zombies, can’t even share a smile so to speak. We are isolated but in a way that’s not helping combat Covid. The way we are isolated is quickly becoming very profitable to a certain few"...

"At that time if the month when it's all about waiting and antisipating. Had my statement in univeicredit for how much I'll get...

"Since the UK Gov have money to splash out on guilt trip advertising for rbeir wrong doings...."

"This is who is making decisons on our worth. "

"When you live in a middle/upper class area and your local foodbank is renamed a food larder and they provide coffee pods for the coffee machine. Its nicknamed the M& S of foodbanks "

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "To be honest I didn't notice the uplift as my WTC renewal somehow meant that I was worse off anyway even with an uplift. Not sure how this was possible as I earned less than the year before...

"💤 Sleep...... in the first lockdown I struggled more than usual to sleep ......

"abbie's lost another tooth this month the last time i just printed the standard certificate i made on pc with no pennies i cant bear this i wont sleep tonight "

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "The £20 is the bare minimum of help to be honest. I know that sounds ungrateful but £20 doesn’t cover much these days...

"Feeling down this week Money is extremely tight as we are at the end of the month and we all know January lasts 3 months, the kids are struggling with trying to do school work so I’ve decided to scrap school set work and we are doing an in-depth family project on the ancient Egyptians. The kids seem happy enough with that idea and it means we can incorporate learning maths, geography, science etc but it’s fun learning...

"Overwhelmed with home schooling, cleaning, cooking and online appts with professionals telling me to take care if my mental health. My mental health would be better if I didnt home school a reluctant teenager and have 4 different professionals telling me how to try harder to home school her."...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Due to lockdown and school closures and I am now coparenting and home schooling with me ex husband who is also my abuser. He has taken the opportunity to make a child maintenance claim against me too. I am a single parent with 2 jobs whilst he is a part of a couple and does not work...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "I find it invaluable. It is half of my shopping budget for the week for me and my 2 kids so it’s really helped me."...

What difference to your life has the extra £20 per week made, and what difference would it make if it was taken away?: "Living on benefits before the pandemic was not easy but I have found it even more difficult with the restrictions and school closures. Extra costs for me have been the need of internet connection and having to buy course work books for my daughter as she has no access to school or local libraries...

"I have already answered this weeks big question but having just looked at a news story about it I felt the need to come on again. I always struggle not to write on the news stories because I would be there for weeks arguing back and forward with small minded people...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "I have a 14 year old daughter who is at home, she is happy to get on and do her online schoolwork on her own now that we have a reasonable internet connection, however it can be a bit expensive buying course work books as she is unable to use school or local libraries. On the subject of school reopening I myself am a bit concerned that they may be opened to early as we now have cases of different strains of the virus circulating in the country...

"Children are comeletely ignored by the UK Gov when handing out grants to adults who some already live in luxury compared to their estranged children; refusing to pay maintennace."

"Went to good old Asda this week. I can always rely on knowing them having a clothing/home/baby and food section but never if the prices are up to date...

"Gov stepping up the guilt trip advertsising. Putting the blame on to everyone who has done their best to comply with the ever tighter restrictions...

"Just read about Sunaks £1000 "offer". It's disgusting. Here take this money and shut up complaining about being hungry and poor. A one off of £1000 won't last long, it certainly won't make as much of a difference as £20 per week which is all that's keeping some families from starving each week. See there's a mentality of "spend what you've got" when on benefits, because it makes us feel better and if we don't spend it then someone will take it from us, some bill or catch or clause or thief. My favourite thing to do before covid and Universal credit was take kiddies to Poundland and just buy what we wanted, knowing I didn't have to worry about the till cos I had the money for that little spree...

"My birthday today 50 A quiet day out for a walk then we had pizza and cake. I have been a single parent for 11 years. Its not been easy but at least I am free. "

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Hi, how's my baby? Parenting been affected by covid my daughter's off at school for two weeks and that wasn't great and the score is now marked as vulnerable. And if I should go back to school full-time, so that has been a great help as we wouldn't be able to continue for long how we were going and how she was going and I also had an effect on my son as well...

"I woke up to my house being 13.5oc. I was brought up with no heating and scrapping ice off the inside of our windows so I'm us to being in a cold house...

"My Daughter is on the pathway and as she is a huge masker school do not see it and there for can not report it to CHAMS which will effect her assessment. Luckily after two weeks off her her meltdowns and metal heath decreasing I found out school already had her maked as vaulribal...

"When narcissits decide the worth of a child. "...

"Why so many of us are struggling with mental health. "...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Lost the will No support"

"Great news I have been notified today that as I am on a low income I am entitled to a grant of £140 from the warm homes scheme available from my energy supplier (EDF), I think more suppliers offer this and it is easy to apply. Check with your supplier today...

"No male politcian stands up for women from domestic violent relationships. "

"Love how simple art can be so refreshing. These are ones my kids made me, my daughter of a flower in the sun and my son of playing in the mud. Then the trio is by me, weather themed (ice, wind and dawn respectively)...

"Prioities of the narcissits"

"Had calls from all sorts of bills that need to be paid, but since part of my money has been stopped, there is barely enough for us to get by. Some bills need to be missed completely just so we can buy food at times...

"Enjoyed the zoom meeting last night. Lots of awesome ideas and perspectives...

"Just got off the phone to my universal credit coach, about ten minutes ago, and my daughter comes to me for a hug and asks "mummy, why do adults need permission from other adults to live?" Confused I said we don't. And she replied with "a man rings you...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "This new lockdown is more stressful than the last. I am so exhausted suffering from long CoVid...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Daily parenting has been a huge struggle as I am still recovering from CoVid. Ive had to bubble uo with my best friend so she can assist me dueing these hard times...

"Recovering from CoVid is so tiring. Im constantly deflated, I have no energy which is making home schooling and doing homeworks really difficult and all I want to do is sleep...

"Having a tough time lately, feels like one bulldozer after another and I just can’t quite jump high enough. Trying to stay positive is becoming one of the daily most difficult challenges"...

"I’ve had my first COVID realities zoom meeting and I feel so lifted by it. To know I’m not the only one thinking the way I’m thinking and I’m not the only one feeling lost/forgotten/unheard...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "It's tough not having any breaks for a day. Since the little one can't go to grandma's for a day or so, it's been harder to manage my own stresses...

"If you been in a domestic violent relationship you would understand what it feels like to be controlled finacially by an abuser. Now this is way the UK Gov are treating us mere mortals. "...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "The longer lockdown goes on, the less Im coping. The lack of support before Covid is less...

"I went to collect the food "hamper" that is supposed to replaced 5 days of hot cooked free school meals. Last week the food hampers were labelled woefully inadequate and promises were made to include more food. Well I have even less food than last week...

"I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve written a diary entry. What a month it’s been...

"Losing hope every day as long as bullies rule the country."

"Woke up early on time this morning to have a shower and speak to my Therapist. Waited for the Zoom invite-nothing...

"friday i left my contact details on council covid help page asking for help with a reference for foodbank and told them i needed help with gas and electric whilst home schooling they rang me today gave me foodbank reference number and sent a text for a paypoint for £36 for gas and electric which i am grateful "

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Parenting has been really hard as the children don't want to do school work they use any excuse not to do it and a lot of the times it turns into arguments"

"Getting pretty worried about the £20 cut. I know I've not felt the benefit of having the extra £20 but by the time they cut it is also when my advance repayments stop, I was looking forward to getting a debt paid off and having a little extra money to pay towards kids, who will soon need new shoes again cos they didn't stop growing in lockdown. Why can't they let us have a £500 bonus (which I'd use to pay off creditors like studio -usefuk for buying clothes for kids on a monthly repayment but still debt I wish I'd not had to take out) but also keep the £20per week...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "My mental health has taken a steep downward turn in recent months, combined with hyper kids in small confines and less distractions, has definitely lead to a change in routine and parenting needs. I'm both more snappy, due to personal grumpiness, and more open to listening to children's needs...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "This 3rd Lockdown has definitely meant uncertainty about everything. The only thing we can hold on to is our sanity and gratefulness that we got to see the year 2021...

"Another cold and lonely day indoors, thank heavens we now have reliable wifi so my daughter can keep up to date with her school work and keep in contact with friends."

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "I’m part of a community Association and we’ve worked tirelessly for the last 10 months to get food to people ...... My family have not had to rely thankfully on help for food, but have taken real pride in the fact that through lots of hard work, begging, networking and just learning to be cheeky and ask we have been able to help with food parcels and food stalls for the elderly, vulnerable and young families where we live 😊"

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "This lock down has got to be the most important yet to stop the spread, But to me it’s caused burnout, anxiety and being paranoid about catching the virus. It’s confusing that places are open, there’s cars and people on the streets but there’s more people known to me contracting the virus ...... but it seems no one is taking the rules seriously. For the first time in 10 months I’m frightened of the unknown, of the virus and of the impact it’s having mentally on everyone."...

"I’ve not been here for a while, I’ve been super busy in the run up to Christmas collecting and distributing food to those on my estate who need it, Myself and fellow volunteers were in our community centre until 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, we was lucky to get enough food donated to share out , surprising to us lots came and filled their bags it was so lovely to see happy faces...... The eye opener for myself was after everyone had gone , we had put a message out on Facebook saying food was still available and we would be in the centre for a while still...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Trying to parent 5 children of which 4 have additional needs all different and all having their own challenges is hard, add to this lockdown, changes in routine, sometimes no routine and then add on winter it’s impossible. This lock down 3 has triggered more parent anxiety than ever before , the turmoil in my head of do I send my children to school ( 3 have EHCP’s and one a my support plan) one night only getting two hours sleep after having a battle with myself on what to do for the best educationally , socially wise for the children. Seeing more and more people contract COVID and the newspaper reporting that our estate has one of the highest rates add to this the news someone nearby passed away I find the whole situation more frightening than ever before .....my children sense my anxieties and thrive from them creating behaviour that’s negative and realising that the on an off routine of the last 10 months is impacting mentally on us all."

"When someone born into great wealth has no concept of how those on low incomes survive. Rhey need to go and try to find out to empathise. But bullies will keep on bullying the less fortunate to keep them in a custome there re used to."...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "More love but that’s come after lots of frustrating, sad and quite frankly chaotic days. My children are 10 and 3 both dealing with this pandemic amazingly...

What's happened to your spending since Covid hit?: "I have had to shop faster and not smarter-as you never know when things are going to be out of stock. Just like other low income households, you cannot shop around for deals more, so you focus more on if the certain weight or volume of a product is better value to get in a bigger size, in order for it to go further in your meal plan for the kids...

"You know you are in a different era when like this week I shared the good news with my loved ones that my Son is starting pre-school next week..Their response? Are you sure about that?!"

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "It doesn't mean much for us except that we're each more worn out and less motivated to even pretend things are normal. Kids play in the garden when they can, or distroy the house accidentally through boredom while inside...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "I had hoped that the pandemic would trigger some real changes, more empathy and more support for low income families. But if anything it's shown me that while more people do care and have empathy, it's not enough unless the people in power do...

"Tried cheering myself up today with painting. Kiddies had fun...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Oh my goodness I am so glad that you have asked this question this week. I was about to go on a write a diary entry on this subject anyway as today we have had some melt downs in our family...

How has your daily parenting been affected by lockdown, and how are you coping with any changes?: "Myself and children are really struggling with this, I’m not trained to be a teacher and sadly as much as work is being sent home for the kids we are not being told the techniques the schools are using to teach certain things. I’m pretty sure I’ve confused the kids more than helped them...

"This virus and all the issues it has and is still causing is becoming too much. My husband lost his job we went nearly 9 weeks trying to survive as a family of 6 on £60 per week, I tried desperately not to get into debt and for the most part I think I did ok...

"finding it hard to concentrate on abbies work timetable today just put the emergency on gas and electric turned all trv's off in house apart from living room she said she was cold i'm sitting in dinning room scanning her work in with a hoodie on as its single glazed window in here so its cold school issued £12 voucher on wednesday for this week though last week there was nothing ? in two minds whether to ring local advice place see if i can get some help from foodbank its only the 15th dont get paid till 30th...... "...

"Thats all our children are. Faceless statistics....

"Nicola Sturgeon withdrawing a roll put of vaccines in Scotland. English news says now can have 2 doses out of a vaccine trial! Unsure if vaccine protects against other varients of Covid. New varient coming from Brazil so not allowing flights from Portugal and Cape Verde .....somebody please get an atlas out for Boris! "

"Women are more likely to be working key worker jobs, in supermarkets, in hospitals, cleaners ....the children are allowed to be looked after by childminders but cannot visit family. "...

"Weekly check in from SEN teacher from school. She said I must try and persuade my daughter to engage with online studies. I dont get paid to do a teachers job..."...

"The reality of the new lockdown is really dawning on me now. Initially as I had just been working non-stop to catch up from lack of income in the last lockdown and through different tiers and restrictions, I was initially only thinking about getting a rest! Now, I am beginning to wonder how we will cope financially and if it means that I am on a covid round about of no work no money and then a desperate iron man marathon to catch up...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "I think this personally has been a really really hard year for me. I'm for all my family...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "The new doctor means that my daughter's going to lose that I have to lose killer until it reopens. My son goes to a special school so that the minute has scale has dad opened...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "Interesting hard. It's definitely getting colder...

"Turned cold again and more snow. No sign of the cold weather payment from DWP...

"Prisoners are treated better than children in the UK."

"I am fortunate enough to be receiving direct payments from council for free school meals. After 1st lockdown, a group of parents including myself requested that the council would consider changing their policy and support pupilsin receipt of FSM and out of school due to severe anxiety or other reasons to continue to receive payments...

"ive given up waiting for anything from the school just spent my last £20 on food i dint get paid until 30th gas and electric is pre payment "

"Tearing out my hair. We’re in the second week and am worried again about the extra costs of lockdown...

"There will always be mental health issues .as long as there are those who are wealthy and in power looking doen on tje working class"

"I have the red mist this morning! Discovering that some people have been able to save during this pandemic was a blow and a shock this week. But I am totally floored by the fact that some companies have been giving families only about £5 worth of food when they are allocated £30, meaning, like we all know deep down, that some companies have actually made a choice to profit from those struggling with poverty...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "Lonliness isolation feeling resentful to the propoganda on tv 24/7 No statistics on how many covid cases were for v elderly. No statistics for how many pass away from Heart Disease or Cancer. No statistics for flu...

"It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s winter! Not only is it winter but it’s a lockdown winter. I’m trying to keep my mind together whilst trying to teach 4 kids in different age groups things I’m not even sure I understand anymore! They can’t go out to play as the weather is atrocious!! We all have cabin fever setting in...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "The new lockdown means more meals to find to keep them full, more stress of trying to become one teacher between 4 kids all in different age groups, just more worry"

"after the stress of today finally got round to making a call to local money matters team there systems are offline so looks like another sleepless night and ive just realised i aint took me medications today 10 pills in total thats just on a morning best take them now "

"The UK Gov need to sort themsleves out. Abusers are using this situation to their advantage "...

"Tories using the pandemic as an excuse for Brexit. "...

"another thought during first lockdown i had some women from supposedly school attendance coming to door in her car which then abbie had to wave at the window ( i had a feeling of been singled out) even though i took her work out she did not want to see it second lockdown did not see her third lockdown have not seen her so i was right in the first "

"while am here school have timetable every task completed got to be photo sent asap throughout the day or scanned in so they can check the online learning side of things some how there is two ways to look at this make sure they doing it and parents are making them do it or check there work or even to show Ofsted they have involvement even so thats added pressure on parents and time consuming when ya sitting worrying about keeping this house warm along with the previous post sorting documents and making onine calls i re3ally am in panic "

"just a quick one heard nothing from school in relation to vouchers or packed lunches or food parcel since last post Jacket potato and beans again then i was awarded LCWRA higher rate in october took a little advice on when this should be expect and if backdated from 27th august last night i read that before they pay out any backdated owed they pass it to debt management first YES its fair to say i did not sleep all night not one bit and anxiety is through the roof and off the map panic attacks YES.... i already wrote to these in november they sent letter saying not enough information i sent them bank statements with letter bottom line is LCWRA back date should be £340 a month think from 27th august may be £1700 if passed to debt management i will get ZERO UPDATE WHEN IVE CALMED DOWN "...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "It was not really a shock to go back into lockdown as the cases in the area of London we live in has very high numbers of cases. I am terrified of what the future holds I am a single father trying hard to support myself and a 14 year old daughter on a very low income with no financial help from my ex partner...

"What a start to the new year. Another lockdown with cases going higher than before...

"Sleepless night with anxiety. Tear streaming doen my face this morning. This Corona madness needs to stop now. Stop the media's daily count and scaremoungerieng...

"benefits i got my UC on Friday it will be gone tomorrow paying of my direct debits i cannot cancel. then i have to live on anything i get paid which isnt much and wont be until Friday at least...

"Today as i sit and prepare for our first full week of home schooling alongside me being a registered childminder the feeling of dread looms high. I have £6 in my electric meter, i have 0 money to top it up, i have no coal for the fire and im burning my home heating oil to keep us warm, a source i try not to use all day because i cant just buy£20 of oil there is a minimum order and its usually £100...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "i dont think i even want to reflect on 2020. its depressing...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "ive just done a video of how i'm feeling this week and exasperated doesn't come close. im tryin to get to the bottom og my own health issues and i can't get a gp...

"Temperatures have risen again to highs of 6° Snow has melted but no sign cold weather payment from the DWP as mentioned in media after a week of freezing temps."

"Another day, another letter from CMS suggesting I contact my violent ex to discuss maintenance"

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "We’d already decided that we thought the Christmas bubbles were ridiculous so had decided to spend Christmas at home. Keeping the older people in our family safe was much more important to us...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "We’re really struggling. I’ve just changed my energy supplier purely so I can apply for a Warm Homes Discount...

"Am so tired just being in the house it's boring. This lockdown should end already...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "This is certainly a most trying moment, with the latest lockdown in NI just as we were expecting children to be back in school. With children in school there's a little ease on expenses, I can live on one meal a day but with kids home there's more consumption of basically everything and this means that I will continue to stretch the budget further...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "No huge change for me as am working as a nurse, but I am having to send my kids to their Dad for homeschool so he has now put in a child maintenance claim for that time 🙈. So that has put me out of pocket. I have managed to get a 2nd job as a COVID vaccinator but doesn’t put any more money in my pocket as just reduces my UC...

"conflicting messages from school this week tuesday Dear parent, if you would like a food parcel every two weeks while your child is home learning please let the school know today either by phone or email. Thanks so i rang them yes please heard nothing thursday We will be issuing FSM vouchers from next week instead of food parcels...

"My biggest worry right now is the mental health of my children. They are online looking at a screen for too long everyday...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "No, had a great time with family and friends. Went to a couple of parties...

"No replies to my enquires from.The Child Maintenance Service to all these messages I sent. Never a prioity"

"I wont be taking a the risk to be breaking the law at 8pm 😏 I will celebrate wbe this farce is over."

"Minus 15 tonight according to weather forecast. No offer of extra payments to cover costs of heating which was offered in 1st lockdown."

"Sneezing and runny nose. No cough no tight chest no Covid Yet I wore my mask and washed my hands and santised....."...

"just a thought school teacher message on class dojo can parents upload photographs off the days school work completed to ensure engagement is this the governments way of checking up i find it a bit annoying to be honest we did very well last lockdowns i make sure work is done not only are we a full time teacher we must do a daily report on the other hand it shows how well we do do it UP YOURS gavin, BORIS sorry about this bit"

""as for coping me and daughter will do it with ease we did well on last lock down hopes and fear... hopes are to get through the winter months without so much worries fears.....

"I feel like there’s nothing to look forward to anymore. It’s not worth planning anything because the chances are everything will get cancelled anyway...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "The new lockdown brings a real mixed bag for our family. My ASD daughter (14) is relieved that she doesn’t have to face attending school...

"Mum of 3, 2 of them are over 18, one is 13. I've home Ed my youngest for 2 yrs now so the school issue hasnt affected us...

"Found some sane people in my area so looking forwards to meeting them. My 13yr old (home Ed for 2 yrs) wants to watch the sunrise tomorrow so looks like I'm getting up early and going to the park! We're learning about what our body organs do this week...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "I'm not shoocked that we are in lockdown as I think I saw that coming. It does mean that I can't work so financially everything is unknown again, right after Christmas when finances are often a bit sketchy...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "Worrying about cost of keeping heating on. Its minus 4 just now and due to drop to minus 13 tonight."...

"School closures make not much of a difference to my daughter and myself. School failed her SEN needs long before Corona virus in 2020. There was a lack of support for her mental health and now she is less prioity for mental health support because of the demand to support children during this pandemic. There are many families finding out how we have been treated. Never a prioity "...

"Feeling positive... ❤ & hugs to anyone who is not.....

"Applied for a job. Its the end of an era for me of being self-employed and positive about running my life my way...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "Nothing really changed for us this end, just the reality that our hospitality business really has gone now. In a way this has inspired me to finally admit that it's over and apply for work...

"New year, new lockdown, new anxieties. I’m so angry that almost a year on we’re in a worse situation in Cornwall now than we were in March 2020...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "This new lockdown has brought uncertainty and anxiety for 2 of my children who were due to take BTEC exams in the next couple of weeks. At least this has been resolved today...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "Well.....happy new lockdown!!! I have mixed feelings about the lockdown. It was definitely needed; it was long overdue...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "Great question. Where to start? For me, my wife is about to head out on placement as a student nurse for 8 weeks in the middle of this lockdown...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "Ahh announcement of lockdown just came after children been to school one day. Kids were excited about going to school and when on Monday night announcement came, we were in shock...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "They’re still trying to decide in Northern Ireland what they’re going to do. Seems to be less and less people here paying attention to the lockdown and that’s what is keeping it spreading I think...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "I’m honestly not surprised by the lockdown. Looking back it was a long time coming...

"So glad my son is home Ed. Our lives have stayed pretty much the same over the last year, other than I'm not working as much...

What does this new lockdown mean for you?: "I have never and will never comply to this absolute debacle of a mess of restrictions. So lock down for us means it's really quiet as we go about our everyday lives."...

"Today is the first official day of home schooling. The children are currently watching tv...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "My thoughts on 2020 are not all negative....but I will start with those! I have felt all the emotions throughout the year, witnessing the joke of a government continually make mistakes, not care about people, do what it likes for the sole purpose of making money (putting the economy before people) and I have felt incredibly powerless watching this happen...I liken it to witnessing a car crash....you see it happening, almost in slow motion but you are unable to do anything and have to simply watch and deal with the consequences. I have cried over the fact that this country seems to care more about the economy than it does people. I’ve witnessed racism, ableism and sexism, particularly across social media which I have had to limit my usage of (no bad thing there!). I have tried to embrace the positives but it is with shaky hands and an anxious heart I do this with some....I left a bullying workplace job and was fortunate to land another one within a month....a new job in the middle of a pandemic, working from home, great! And for the most part it is great...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "I have tried to reframe 2020 as an adventure, in this way we would expect there to be some difficulties and even some disaster but that overall, overcoming these obstacles is a challenge and that ultimately we will feel great when we have survived it and achieved success. I know everyone can't view the year as adventure if they lost someone to covid or lost their home or job, it may have just flattened them...

"2nd full lockdown in Scotland from midnight tonight intil 1st Feb I am in fear for my child's mental health. "...

"Another lockdown here in Scotland... I’m honestly so fed up with it even though I think it’s the best move! My Mum is still going to be working meaning it’s still a high risk in our household.....

"Just chatted with neighbour, in our bubble. We, both households, need to self isolate. They're awaiting testing as their little one has some symptoms...

"Anxiety stressed Now talk of complete lockdown on news. Yet Boris J saying schools are safe...

"Another cold day Feeling guilty about putting heating on. Bedding to wash. Need heating on to dry the bedding before putting back on beds. Its sleet outside and the paths are an ice rink...

"Boredom setting in for men with the New Year blues and no pubs to go to.due to tier 4 Its 2nd Jan and had 4 old flames flicker a wee light through mesenger. I was burnt before and rather feel the cold than used to entertain them. Staying strong and focused.. Wonder how far down the list I was in their little black books."

"Got out for a walk today to break the day up. Its 2° and the wind was biting even though I was wrapped up with hat scarf and boots. Nowhere to go to shelter from the cold...

"I broke the rules today. Or rather I didn't stop my kids from breaking the rules...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "Well this year has been an absolute rollercoaster. It is the year that I finally seeked and received mental health treatment, it’s still a work in progress but I’m proud of my bravery...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "2020 has been similar to last few years for my daughter and myself. Isolated, lonely, not prioity when it comes to housing, income and care. No garden to sit out on sunny days. No support to get shopping Only people who asked how we were feeling were paid to do so over the phone."...

"The conditions the council think my child and myself are worth living in at £600 a month"

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "Theres been ups and downs. Theres been highs and lows. Theres been a sense of community coming together to offer support. Theres been isolated times when I didnt get to see my family friends and even though I have had my 2 children I still felt very much alone. This group helped me to connect with others and gave me support when I felt low. However NOTHING could have prepared me for contracting CoVid just 2 days before Christmas and turning my life upside down. I was so ill my children were sourced out to family and friends...

" Hogmany 2020 Not any different to any other night this year or the previous years. Isolated #autsimawareness"

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "i found it difficult at the beginning of lockdown in NI in March with limited technology and no wifi to do the home schooling. The lack of resources and the school my children attended not being very accommodating I found it very stressful and sometimes difficult to cope with...

"Well I was NOT expecting that my CoVid reality for my 1st EVER CoVid Christmas was to have contracted CoVid. I havent seen my 7 year old son from Dec 18th and I havent seen my 11 year old daughter since Dec 23rd when my test came back positive...

"I'm answering Ruth's question about are my children going back to school? According to the two schools they go to (we have a 3 tier system here, so one is in middle school, the other in high school - they are in years 8 and 9) my girls will not return until 18th Jan and there will be home schooling before then. Neither coped very well in the last Lockdown with their schooling - the good weather didn't help either...

"I am struggling today, in a low mood and just been moved from tier 2 to tier 3, so in a matter of weeks we have gone from tier 1 to 3. People are being so uncaring about this part of the world everywhere is full and it's like the world is ending."...

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "My biggest reflection for the year is to not take things for granted, appreciate people more and have a better understanding of what you have got and not what you don't have."

What are your reflections from a year like no other?: "I really do not want to look back on this year, ever again. It has felt like we are living in a vacuum, which would in practice probably be the safest thing to do. I've used this word too much this year, and nearly always in the Covid Zoom meetings - but it has been a year of confliction...

"My child has not been in school since June 2019. Unable to accommodate her SEN and no other secondary schoolin the area...

"My grandaughter is 2 today. Cannot visit her because of teir 4 restrictions. "...

"Really struggling this week emotionally. Since Christmas eve I've just been burnt out emotionally...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "I'm pretty lucky in that I have no family I'm close too, so I didn't need to worry about plans changing as plan would be to spend Christmas with just kiddies and me regardless of the virus or not. However, my kiddies are social creatures, so we'd normally have groups and parties and activities and adventures but those are out this year...

"I just feel really down and my anxiety is getting worse as I’m more scared to go out I thought I was starting to deal with Covid but now I feel Iv gone back to square one and I feel so angry "

"Universal Credit has put us into debt as we are paid in arrears. I’ve been in my overdraft ever since...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "We live day by day. It is hard to plan anything in advance...

"What a different Christmas this has been. Living with my daughter atm so making Christmas dinner in her house wasn't easy...

"Teir 4 Boxing day. Didnt bother to dress myself...

"Thank goodness the Christmas day farce is over. My daughter spent it in her room avoiding me...

"Snowing today. So pretty yet so cold. "...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "Yes plans have had to change this year we normally have my husbands grandma and my mother over for Christmas Day as both live alone but the restrictions in my area mean that isn’t possible. Absolutely heartbreaking knowing they will be home alone."...

"The dreaded Xmas eve. Couldn’t afford Xmas eve boxes so I’m gutted!! Screw you UC and COVID!! My wider family seem to not understand it’s like I’m fighting to keep my head above the mud puddle that’s pulling me down and they just expect normality from me and I just haven’t got it too give...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "Xmas day plans remain the same as always, staying at home! But sadly I won’t be seeing my sister and nephew. I’m still functioning but I’m feeling so ground down with negativity and helplessness that I can’t look forward to 2021 at the moment...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "We are islolated anyway with lack of family support and no friends. It wont make much of a difference to us."

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "Christmas has been quiet for myself and my daughter now for a few years as there is just the two of us. This year however is unlike any other apart from the lack of money and relying on a food bank in order to be able to feed ourselves my daughter is now unable to see her friends or engage with local church groups that she has enjoyed attending for a number of years...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "Honestly, we’ve been struggling. As my Mum works, we don’t get the fuel allowance meaning we’ve had to scrimp our other expenses to put more towards heating the house!"...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "I currently reside with my Mum so we will have one and other on Christmas regardless of the changes. Sadly, my sister and brother-in-law will not be coming up from London although due to him needing chemotherapy rather than COVID-19 for a change! Kinda lucky they hadn’t paid all the money for coming to us as they would have been out of pocket."...

"Got my vouchers for taking part in COVID realities so went out and tried to get some Christmas presents and got nothing. Home with all my vouchers and no presents...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "I’m very lucky. As a single parent key worker I am in an extended household with my parents so we are continuing our plans as they did not involve anyone else."...

Have you had to change your plans because of the announcements?: "Yes, we were going to one of my sister's in South Glos. to see her, husband, kids & our mum & dad for tea on Boxing Day, but no loner going (or our parents who live in Sidmouth, Devon) due to the restrictions...having to swap presents in motorway car parks...

"I'll write properly about my Christmas plans and how they've changed...but just a small note, an observation that I've had while cooking this afternoon. So I have a cooker, its one of those double cooker, big fan one at the bottom and a small electric one on top...wel for about 4 years the big bottom oven hasn't worked at all...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "Our gas and electricity is on a fixed monthly bill. It does not fluctuate and I believe we’re fortunate not to have a top up prepayment meter. I have always bought clothing slightly bigger for my eldest boy...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "With help. During the summer I'd put extra money on the meter to try and give me some leeway, but it's been so cold that that was used up by early Dec. I am only still able to use the heating because I was sent some Xmas money from a friend that I spent on heating, giving us enough to get through Dec...

"Last night 19/12/2020 The Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced from Boxing Day that all main land Scotland will go into full lockdown for 3 weeks. I felt anxiety rise. After a long sleep, It came to me, Nicola and local coincils knew this would happen in advance...

"just thinking of the stress i put myself through this time last year making sure everything was perfect for xmas eve ,xmas day then all the other things like high energy bills etc which may have lead to my heart attack in january this year i pushed myself to the max and it came to the end of December it took its toll and this was when i was in work and getting legacy benefits topping me up, this year i am getting universal credit are things going to be any better i doubt it i've just put the emergency on the electric dont get paid until 30th,ive got £30 in vouchers can i make a xmas dinner from that and the rest of the month in food from that???? Thursday i was in tears when letter from dwp came refusing my application for pip assessor stated i did not seem breathless (yet in same week i had an episode i was so out of breath the paramedics took me to A&E) I'm so confused with there process one month before i had a telephone call and hey awarded me the higher rate of limited capability for work but the next phone call assessment they turned me down also received a letter back from debt management refusing me any leeway after i wrote to them explaining my hardship use of food banks even sent two bank statements yet this is not enough "

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "Fortunately, I replaced my 15 year old boiler 4 years ago, with help from a government grant, although I had to contribute £250 towards the cost. The boiler saved me around 20% on fuel costs, per annum. I have thermostats for controlling temperatures in rooms, and close curtains when it gets dark, to keep in heat. I changed energy suppliers in March, saving around £30 per month. That was a huge help in our budget...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "Im not able to keep heating on for long. Extra costs due to home schooling due to school unable to accomodate my SEN child, and library closed leaves me little choice but to stay home."...

"Woken at 5 am by a fight outside my flat. A group of 4 lads coming home from somewhere...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "Im really not managing. Im spiralling into tons of debt as I don't have any where near enough to make ends meet, everything costs more now, food is so expensive...

"7 days until christmas. Fortunately my daughter has now finished school without any problems but the covid cases are rising sharply in all areas and it looks like there could be another lockdown coming in the new year...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "I have been managing ok but with a constant feeling of anxiety. I received a warm front payment for the first time in my life and this was really appreciated...

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "My boiler often cuts out due to low pressure and I have to restart it. I don't have the money to keep having it fixed or even replaced...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "I have made a real effort to go for more walks so I can see friends, even when the weather is awful."

How have you been managing with the additional costs of winter?: "I have been lucky enough to be given the warm home discount of £140 this year. Otherwise I turn off the heating when my children are not here...

"Difficult when politicians who decide what you are worth as a zingle parent family."

"does anyone else find it difficult to get their child to sleep because they are too interested in missing out on something mine never wants to sleep "

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "I do all the shopping for my household and my mother's we were getting help for her but finding it hard to continue it because they are now charging for the service and we don't have a cheque book with the bank accounts we holdsofindingit hard to figure out how to pay for the service"

What's happened to your spending since Covid hit?: "I'd say I have definitely spent more, trying to keep the children entertained plus printing ink and paper for home learning."

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "Not really, there are not really any green areas around here for my children to play. We played a lot in the garden in summer but not now"...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "The vouchers are great, but when your a single Mum isolating it's very difficult to use them as they can't be used online."

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "Vouchers are a great help, but I'm a single parent currently isolating and they can't be used for online shopping. This leaves me stuck with higher food bills, very little delivery slots available and vouchers that I can't spend."...

"Received £100 from Scottish Gov for Xmas. Tempted to buy something extra for my daughter...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "I have bad anxiety so just before the first lockdown I felt I could start trying to go out then lockdown happened and know I’m to scared to go out and if I do I have to have someone with me and then it’s only to get food in"

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "I didn’t know about the vouchers over the Christmas till someone said to me about it I sent an email to mulberry place but haven’t heard back so I’m not sure what I do they have really helped me and my children over lockdown and we would of been really stuck for food if we didn’t have them so I’m very grateful for the vouchers I got over the summer break"

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "Not in general but my amazing OT has arranged for a Christmas hamper from a local charity so we will have a Christmas lunch. They will provide turkey, veg, coffee and mince pies so we will have a main course and pudding well the children will at least depending on the quantities we get (and I mean that with the upmost respect and thankfulness) as long as there is enough for the kids that’s all that matters too me...

"I’ve been poorly the last few days and it’s getting worse. I’ve had to submit and get a test for covid 🤞🏼 All is clear...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "I'm so glad this issue has been addressed. I would have really struggled without the vouchers during the holidays...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "We are involved in picking up donated supermarket food to use in my work. We know that we work with children and families who have food shortages and I can't always factor in the cost of providing extra and so we have been utilising surplus food for a few years...

"The kids finished school today but I still have some way to go until I can get a Christmas rest. The panic to catch up financially after lockdowns, still hasn't ended and of course there's the extra expense of Christmas to consider, which I haven't prepared for yet...

"Food. Food...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "Lately we've been spending alot more time in the front garden. The children enjoy seeing other people in passing and I get little chats with neighbours...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "We had access too food bank early in the year, but the mouldy bread makes me reluctant to use that service again. However, our local community center, where my kids would normally go for youth club, have been sending out weekly bags of crafts and fruits for the kids, sometimes with baking activity ingredients and the odd food item (bread, often out of date but still use able if creative, lots of bread n butter pudding lately lol)...

"Had so many ups and downs since my last diary entry. Almost felt like quitting entirely last week, not covid realities, just life in general (not in a suicidal type way, more in a 'I've got no energy left for anything anymore' type way). So, some highlights: - our town did a santa drive by thing, was a wee walk away so we got all dressed up in our holiday best and took a torch...

"Been out trying to get a few Christmas presents in now the shops have opened again. Finding having to wear a mask is giving me anxiety and feel like I can’t breath properly...

"Just listened to the link you posted for the radio 4 segment. Beautifully put together with words from Ruth and diary accounts from Dorothy...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "This is making me so upset. I got in touch with school last week and they were still waiting on the council for information. The school sent out a mass message today saying that anyone who feels they need help with food over the holidays should email them for a food parcel...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "No I am aware of food banks.I walk to them and feel the humilation knowing the father of my child is living in luxury as a businessman taking his pick from takeway menus or eating out to help out. Not a penny for our child...

"What a wonderful surprise Kingston carers network has just delivered a surprise christmas box for my daughter, beautifully put together with sweets, chocolates, body lotions and crafts. My daughter with be over the moon...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "Hi as a single parent I had been struggling to buy food for myself and my daughter since my partner had left a couple of years ago but have always been to embarrassed to apply for free school meals and still do not receive them. However when the first lockdown started things got even worse as the shops were virtually empty and as I have other health conditions I was afraid to leave home...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "One meal per day Drink a lot of tea Aldi is only place we go Xmas is off This is Covid Reality 9 long months What a joy to be self employed!"

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "Yes I am getting help. I’m getting food parcels from my local community centre and drop offs from my local one parent family Scotland worker...

"I have felt like the announcement of the vaccine being rolled out is the light at the end of the tunnel. It means my grandad will be getting one soon (he is priority) and hopefully that means I’ll be able to see him soon. However, over a week later, it feels like the vaccine news is now overshadowed by the impending Xmas celebrations being a cause for Jan & Feb lockdowns...

Are you getting help with accessing food?: "I’m luckily not in the situation where I would need help but many of the local food larders have been supporting low income families which I think is great."

"So the vaccine has been given to the first so many in the UK and I’m feeling somewhat hopeful that this may be the first step to helping us gain some normality. I’m not gonna lie, I’m nervous too of side effects and such but I’m also smart enough to know it’s likely to be fine as it has been heavily funded and assessed...

"On social media is tells me that ASDA are providing free food at lunchrimes for children to either sit in or takeaway. The nearest ASDA store is 15 miles away. It would cost me £12 on the bus return to collect a free meal for my child."...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "Where do you go with no car and no money to spend when its cold, dark and it rains constantly?"

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "during he first lockdown me and daughter went to a local spot called cox green built dens done some exploring sadly this current lockdown i havent been to well,since september ive been in pain and only found out yesterday it was kidney stones"

"I am not feeling good this morning, I have been unable to buy a christmas jumper for my daughter to wear to school today. she was clearly feeling left out this morning on her way to school...

How have you been managing in self-isolation?: "We are now self-isolating after a positive result for my middle daughter, we got the result the day after the test, but my daughter went to a walk in test centre. Am finding it hard to coupe locked up again with my daughters at home, one of which has special needs, but the local community leader runs a food bank which i used to help at, and has helped stock our cupboards up again. The hardest thing I find is home schooling, keeping the house tidy and my self sane, lifes hard enough as a single father but in lock downs its made even harder"

"Deposit required for dance competition next November. £40 Its 2 weeks til Christmas...

"It’s a few days now since the vaccinations have been being administered and I’m in a state of worry! Do my family and I have it? We know it’s helps protect but so little is known about the actual length of protection and the possible side effects! Drugs take so long to be developed normally so that they can ensure it is safe and the negative affects are minimal. What happens if we have massive issues after having it?? Look what happened with Distaval (thalidomide) feeling very confused, anxious and sleep deprived."...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "No I am in an area where COVID is still quite prevalent so have tried to stay in as much as possible. I think for me as I am disabled I didn’t go out much before COVID so the not going out doesn’t affect me the same as others."...

"Another service pulled back as I am not using it as I should be. Yet not allowed to due to covid restrictions. Now my weekly phonecalls to check on my mental health is gone."...

"I dont feel enjoyment any more. Just bumbling through each day. "...

"Big uproar about Prunce William and Kate crossing the border into Scotland when there is a blanket ban on travelling unnecessarily. The claim for work..... I am not a fan of royalty...

"Brexit....Covid....next something to affect us all beginning with D...with thanks to the greedy politicians."

What are you having deducted and what impact is it having?: "We are having our housing benefit decreased due to an income rise yet our income is lower than it’s ever been"

"This has probably been one of the worst weeks of 2020 so far, the realisation that Xmas is only two weeks away and I can’t afford it, just managed to do a food shop today which will hopefully see us through till Xmas at a push and the children won’t be getting what they wanted from Santa, the bills aren’t going to be covered and to add insult to injury I worked out our tight income has taken a hit of £8,699 so far this year so no wonder we can’t make ends meet. Feeling rather tired and fustrated to say the least "...

"Are 7 year olds going through puberty now or is it the lack of peer socializing due to the restrictions? I'm getting adolescent attitudes from a 7 year old. "...

"My thoughts on the first day of vaccines. It will be a long time before I am eligible so I’m not too concerned about it, and I don’t think they’re vaccinating children. I will be glad once my parents have had it because then we will be able to see them, and hug them, and they can help with childcare."...

"So hurray for the huge u-turn on providing free school meals over the holidays, but it’s now 1.5 weeks away and I have no information regarding how to access them. School is waiting on the council, and the council haven’t released any info yet...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "I really thought my answer would be yes, but in actual fact we have been outdoors less since the start of the pandemic than we were before. Before the pandemic my daughter attended an entirely outdoor forest school nursery, and when she wasn’t there we would often be outdoors at the park, in the woods, and local (and further afield) outdoor areas. In the first lockdown my daughters forest school closed...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "I’ve been outside less. Aside from walking to the shop and taking the kids to school I’ve been working from home and it just feels relentless...

"This has been a tough week mentally. University assignment deadlines are looming and no face to face contact with tutors or peers makes it more stressful and lonely...

"First day of vaccines given today. Im not interested. I only had 1 flu vaccine in last 10 years and that was the year I had flu...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "For me its had the reverse affect, am in the medium risk group, and I've noticed that since September I've hidden away more, and the start after the first lockdown I was helping at my local food bank and in August I was out and about a fair bit, taking advantage of the eat out help out, but since the weathers turned, the nights are drawing in ever so much quicker, ive found my self hiding away at home, not going out and trying to send my middle daughter out food shopping for me while I hide away. This is affecting my mental health and I do seem to be in that vicious circle of ground hog day"

"Been feeling low and missing my parents group at school, getting involved and helping the school and just having that connected and support, well today was the school play for ks3, and normally were all be in the hall id be running a stall or helping with raffle for parents group, bit this year has been sooooooo crazy with covid and I thought we won't get a play, the school said its going to be over zoom, and I just thought this won't be the same, ohhh boy how wrong was I. I was just blown away by the amount of work and care that went into each classes show, the feeling that I was back apart if the school again, and just to see the lower years having a great time, the teachers and class support workers all getting involved it was amazing and it really lifed my spirits its just what I needed. I just can't wait to be back helping at the school, as a special needs secondary school they need all the help support and fundraising we do for them, and this pandemic has just shown me how much I appreciate of a hard work and dedication of the school and how much I absolutely love that dedicatingn my time to them, I hope to be back there soon, so my depression lifts "

"This year has flown by and Christmas is here even quicker this year. I’m usually so well organised...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "The beginning of the first lockdown the weather was amazing so I spent a lot of time in the sun. Then as the weight piled on I started to go walking round some of the nature trails where I live...

"It’s starting to get really cold now so I’m worried about trying to heat the place aswell as buy food. Should I do a quick blast of the fire or put the heat on for an hour...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "During the warmer summer months, we were going on daily walks which allowed us to embrace nature and the beautiful country I live in. Sadly, the same can’t be said for these colder winter months as we’ve stayed in a lot more due to the wet and cold weather."...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "As winter arrived and weather is cold and wet, we are at home more. I do not drive which is restricting...

"Wet and cold day. Monday blues. Feeling lonely, isolated...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "To be honest, no. I have been going to work as usual, the kids have been going to school...

"As we approach Christmas and New Year I am becoming more anxious for families on low incomes making it through the Brexit stuff in January. There does not seem to be any great mainstream discussion reaching people about how they might prepare for a delay in some food and products reaching us or for a massive rise in prices of certain food etc...

"Barely slept last night. Very cold and arguing with myself about whether should put heating on or not. Stressed about the cost of having heating on."...

"Man at door asking why I havent got a TV Liscence. I burst into tears. Quick enough to send a man to collect for tv liscence payments yet Ive waited 10 years for a child maintenance payment for my child. "...

"A quick Covid Reality for today. I read my gas & electricity meters as requested & submitted the readings...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "Me & my 15 year old love getting out & about in the great outdoors. As we home educate it's one of our go to activities as part of my son's interest-led curriculum...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "We walk a lot. My children go to school just over a mile and half away...

"The mass consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday has just passed. My vacuum cleaner is 17 years old...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "Its been somewhat better since being back at work and being able to go to the shops etc again now we're out of the 2nd lockdown, ended 2 days ago, and my child has finished isolating. Even though everything isn't back to 'normal' in relation to being able to attend social events/places, we still had fun because today, we had snow falling!! So, after finishing work and my child finishing school, it was nice building a snowman together...

"A good week this week, back at work now after being unable to attend due to childcare issues relating to covid. But a good week back nonetheless...

"Its snowing but not lying on the ground. Its dark and the lights and heating are on. Im consious of the cost . If my daughter was at school, I would switch all off and wear my coat."

"One of the best things about the lockdown and the months of pandemic is my 2 youngest children have become so amazingly tight amd close. They are really there for one another, playing and entertaining each other amd supporting each other through difficult months...

"I don't think I have ever felt as anxious about Christmas as I do this year...the whole thing, the lack of family, the lack of my children's dad, the complete lack of money...the whole thing is so much pressure just on me...its over walking and I do feel a lot of anxiety."

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "During the first lockdown we could only really walk around our village. We do live in a rural area and are a bit in the middle of nowhere but what seems like green space is actually farmers fields and not accesible...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "Hiya, I am very aware of what is happening in the world due to covid and I am unable to go outside as much as I would like to except for doing school runs, getting shopping etc. I am avoiding going out for recreational purposes as I am aware that people are not happy at the moment and people are more aggravated with little things I had the 2 finger salute the other day just because I pulled away from the post office in my car and pulled into the lane toward my local shop...

"I suffer from fibromyalgia and the lockdown definitely impacted on it. Being stuck in the house made my pains worse but my mental health suffered too and one definitely makes the other one worse...

Have you been able to get outside more than usual?: "During lockdown I was able to take my daughter with autism out more. We went to the beach which is near by where she felt safe as we were the only ones there...

How has the extra £20 a week helped?: "I recieve UC and didnt even realise i had got the £20 uplift. Its not alot...