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05
May 2021
Ripon mother talks of her desperation to feed family
A mother of five has been talking to the Stray Ferret about the struggle to keep her head above water during lockdown and how it prompted dark 'thoughts of ending it all'.
With the promise that her identity would be protected, the mother agreed to speak with us as she hopes it will help others.
This is her story.
But with practical assistance and advice, she is getting her life back on track. The mum found out about Back to Basics - an organisation that is helping Ripon families by tackling the fundamental issues of food poverty.
In addition to providing a regular supply of free ingredients and instructions on how to turn them into a nutritious family meal, Back to Basics helped the mother begin to sort out her finances.
She said:
Read more:
- Food poverty pioneers support the impoverished in Ripon
- Ripon Community donates 50 tonnes of food and other essential items
- Free fairground rides to help hard-up Ripon families this summer
In November 2019 – more than a year before coronavirus reached the UK – North Yorkshire’s former director of public health, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, published a report titled ‘Life in times of change – health and hardship in North Yorkshire’
This estimated that 92,000 people (15%) living in the county fell within the Government’s definition of poverty.
In Dr Sargeant's report, he noted a re-emergence of destitution:
He added:
The covid crisis has made the situation worse for many families. This mother's story shows how real those challenges of poverty are.
Have you been affected to be this story or in a similar situation? If you want to tell your story get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
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