It all started around this time last year when my Foodbank key worker Heidi asked if I would be interested in attending a forum at Leatherhead Community Hub. This was where I met a wonderful bunch of individuals; one being Sarah who was looking for people to join the Poverty Truth Commission (PTC). I accepted …
Category Archives: Story
The importance of early mental health support
Alison, one of our community commissioners, shares her thoughts on the importance of mental health support for anyone experiencing poverty. I moved to Epsom in 2017 from Zimbabwe where I was born. I lived there for 31 years, got married and had my two amazing children. Unfortunately, my marriage broke down and so did …
Continue reading “The importance of early mental health support”
We need to talk about the hard stuff
Charmaine, one of our Community Commissioners reflects on what the Poverty Truth Commission means to her and why we need to talk to bring about change. The PTC is important to me. I’ve had conversations with fellow Community Commissioners about how difficult it is to talk about the hardships we have been through. We have …
Waving around in the dark
Ben, one of our Community Commissioners had to leave his job after suffering from ill health. Here is his story, in his own words. What I struggled with most was coming from having a good job. I’ve always worked since I was a kid really, Dad said; “If you want pocket money go and work on the …
Listening without prejudice
Community Commissioner, Morine (pictured here far left at the PTC launch) reflects on her mental health journey My experience of mental health issues began in very early childhood with a series of traumatic events. This began with the death of my father, which I witnessed at four years old, and ongoing mental and physical abuse throughout my …
Opening our eyes to hardship
Good Company recently launched the second East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission (PTC), which brings together a group of 15 Community Commissioners with lived experience of using the Foodbank or Pantry and a group of 18 Civic & Business Commissioners from councils, housing associations, local health and education providers, businesses and charities. Over the course of …
Linda’s Story
“This has taken a huge weight off my shoulders, not having to worry about bailiffs on the door. That’s probably 80% of the reason that I’m where I am now.” Most of the people we meet at the Foodbank have experienced painful life events, such as a bereavement, the breakdown of a relationship, poor health, …
Emma’s Story
“I didn’t realise there was so much more help that you offer… I started chatting to Penny and she offered help with [my eldest son’s] PIP claim. I wouldn’t have been able to do the form without this.” Emma’s* story shows how people’s lives can be turned upside down by events beyond their control. It …
