Helen’s Letter The anger of a nation

Our readers have spoken and they’ve spoken decisively.

After we published the heartbreaking story of Helen and David Stuart, thousands got in touch to share their views. They expressed sadness, they offered support, they even pledged money.

But most of all they told us of their fury at how the system had let them down. Many called on us to lead the fight on behalf of the couple and expose the shocking flaws that failed them.

To say that Helen is overwhelmed is putting it mildly. “I think it’s lovely that people have responded like that,” she says. “But they really shouldn’t have to feel that way. It’s only because we’ve been let down by the system that we’re in this situation in the first place.” The tone of the messages varies from sympathy for the couple to anger with the system.

“Something seriously has to change,” one says. “I am so sad and shocked and totally worried at the fear and stress this couple and all who are like them are having to endure at the hands of this Government. It’s disgusting beyond belief.”

Other readers offer help, either financially or in terms of practical advice. A counsellor with 32 years experience of helping people manage redundancy and find new work pledges to do anything he can to make sure David’s CV is spot-on and his interview skills are polished to perfection. Then there are those who want to give Helen and David something to help lighten their burden a little.

One generous soul writes: “I was incredibly touched by Helen’s story in yesterday’s Sunday Post. After all, there but for the Grace of God. I have never done this before, but I would like to donate some cash to ease Helen and David’s plight.”

“Honestly, it breaks my heart that it takes the ‘little people’ of this world to offer help,” says Helen. “But the Government doesn’t give a monkey’s.”

She is sad to hear there are others who are going through something similar.

“I thought there would be a few,” she sighs. “But I didn’t realise there are so many in the same situation, or worse.

Here are some more of the responses to Helen’s letter

I know many genuine people who have worked hard for a living but now that they need help they cannot get it. The fault lies with the politicians sadly so many of whom are only interested in fiddling their expenses and abusing their position.

Malcolm Hardy

I am also treated like they are. I am in my 50s and I have no job. I’m also diabetic. I can’t afford to put my heating on in the winter. I have to wear my outdoor clothes in the house. I also wear clothes that I have had for years and are out of date.

Myra Hughes

I am both touched and angered by this heart-rending article when we have snakes like Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP trying to boost his income using his privileged position. The powers that be seem more interested in lining their own pockets than looking after good people who have worked hard and paid their taxes.

Sheena McMahon

My husband has been unemployed for three years now and is desperate to work. He has lost count of the jobs he’s applied for to no avail. My husband is 58 and I am 60 and employers don’t want to know us. People over 55 are not wanted. We feel on the scrap heap.

Anonymous

My husband and I are in the same boat as Helen and her husband. I lost my job five years ago this month and my husband was made redundant about three years ago. He talks about money constantly and it’s because he is worried how we are going to cope in the future. Trying to get a job over 60 is just a joke, no one wants you when you’re old enough to be their granny or grampa.

Ellen McNabney

If ever there was a moment for all of us to do something about the injustices facing thousands of good, honest people, then that time has arrived. Each and every one of us must forward an opinion or idea that is feasible for any government to take notice of, to end the abject poverty and humiliation inflicted upon people.

Harry Stephenson

I can fully empathise with this couple’s predicament, having also to survive on sickness benefit after suffering lymphoma for over two years. It is frightening to have bills arriving on the doorstep, and having just enough to pay them. On three occasions I have had to rely on Food Banks to feed myself.

Michelle

I read your front page story with a sense of horror, but not surprise, as there are many ‘Helens and Davids’ -people with years of contributions to the national insurance system who find themselves high and dry when disaster strikes them.

Kim Richmond

This story cannot end up as tomorrow’s chip paper. I hope that you as a media voice will now fight for this couple and many more people in this position. Something seriously has to change. I am so sad and shocked and totally worried at the fear and stress this couple and all who are like them are having to endure at the hands of this government. It’s disgusting beyond belief.

Alison Morgan

Sadly, again, because of the constant nonsense about ‘scroungers’ and ‘cheats’, there’ll be those who finally realise how terrible it is the way we treat people who are unemployed thru no fault of their own, but they’ll still believe this is a one off case, and the majority of people somehow ‘deserve’ it. This is NOT the case, I’m seeing people like this couple all the time, and we’re a rich country, if we simply made ONE company pay their tax, like Vodafone, it’d cover the JSA costs of everyone in the country, but of course, the rich go free and the poor have to suffer.

Keith

I go to a foodbank one a week where I signpost people to where they can get help. I come across many who are desperate for help because of the system. There are some who milk the system and there always will be but they are small in number compared with the Helen’s of this world. It is the system that needs to change but the publicity about scroungers sucks empathy out of people. Just look at the companies who make big profits out of low pay which makes people seek top ups to survive. The whole economic system needs to change, but don’t let stories about scroungers divert us from the real issue.

Sue Dockett

I too am having a hard time keeping my head above water. I am a disabled mum of two disabled kids and also a student. I barely eat and I am on benefits. People on benefits do not get 1000s of pounds. That is propaganda. I used to work and paid my national insurance which paid my way fortunately. Sadly I took ill 8 years ago with 3 chronic illnesses plus a plethora of complications that comes with them. Working people and people on benefits are being screwed over by our government and to turn one against the other is wrong, no matter how hard up you are. I would never dream of putting a working person down because they seem to be better off than I am. Ever heard of the saying The grass is greener. I’m wearing underwear with holes in it. I haven’t had new clothes for god knows how long. I starve for at least 3 days a month so my kids can eat. Where are these thousands that people on benefits are getting? It’s funny people say that when there’s a cap on benefits so you can only claim so much even if you are entitled to it. I wish you well. You are being treated appallingly. I pray that your husband finds work soon. Sending love and light and hope xox

Gertie

Related storiesA checklist – what to do if you get into financial trouble. Over-complicated system means many thousands are missing out. The benefits maze. Helen’s Letter – the heartbreaking struggle of a family in crisis.