Insights are valuable. When we work in Neighbourhoods we listen and take note of what people say. We then pass this information to West Northamptonshire Council who use these insights in the design of their services and offers. If you have a view on poverty or vulnerability in Briar Hill and it’s your own personal reflection, please let us know. You can simply E-Mail russell.rolph@voluntaryimpact.org.uk or talk to Charlene at one of our Monday Morning Coffee Sessions.
Some of the Briar Hill resident’s state:
Claiming benefits is difficult especially for people like me with a learning disability and no regular access to computers. It just increases your anxiety, and it seems to me that Face to Face talking no longer exists. If you can’t get your answers via a BOT or Live Chat then you’re in trouble….
Income is tight being a single parent. I cannot work as I have no support or close family networks and there’s no reasonable childcare being offered.
Thank God for Foodbanks that all I can say. I now visit 5 in order to survive. It’s not ideal. It feels like a sticking plaster solution but that’s all that’s offered.
I think there needs to be more local employment training to help people back into work, delivered by local organisations that you can build trust with. It’s not easy when your confidence is shattered and that’s what poverty does….
It feels like two worlds apart. The wealthy get wealthier, and the poor just get poorer. Reduction in services is only going to hurt the poorest in our society who have no choices. If your rich you can just buy your way out of problems….
I lost my family networks within 2 years. I am now alone and find it difficult navigating through systems and processes. I now rely upon foodbanks and benefits.
Briar Hill is suffering from Poverty. You only have to look around at all the dealing that goes in. I suppose it’s an easy way to make money and doesn’t involve true work, does it?
Services seem to be moving towards a digital interface for everything. Not all of us have those skills and so a difficult world is just becoming more difficult for some. But I don’t feel like I have a voice, and that’s the point.
Public transport costs are high and there is no public transport that serves our local supermarket which I need for my basic shopping. Is there no other community transport available that could help me?
I think the system helps to keep those who are disadvantaged at a place where they cannot affect any change whatsoever. Its like blame the uneducated for being lazy. Its stigmatisation.
I wish the Local Authority were more consistent with their information. It really depends on who you speak to, and their messaging is often confused which makes my levels of anxiety even higher.
Single parents struggle when trying to find childcare, for those (like me) who have had to relocate due to Domestic Violence we need support to find where help is available. Having guidance from others who don’t judge is equally important as recently I came across an individual in an official position who made me feel like I was worthless just because I wanted to get help. Staff in these positions should be better trained in order that they aware of certain mental health conditions.
The housing system in Northampton has changed beyond all recognition. There is now no night shelter, no overnight safe accommodation, and if by chance the council outreach team take your case they house you in shared accommodation, in a single room costing £80.00 a week. They tell you can’t get a job because that will affect your rental payments, so you can’t get ahead even if you wanted to. It’s like the system works against people and not with people.
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