Shaun, a single man with long-term health conditions, became homeless following a no-fault eviction. With no local housing available, he was relocated to the Cotswolds. After a series of benefit cuts, he could no longer afford to run a car and became reliant on limited public transport or costly local shops.
“I was waiting outside the Community Fridge for food so I could take my insulin.” At his lowest point, Shaun questioned whether life was worth living. Delays in benefit processing left him unable to afford essentials, prompting him to seek support from the Foodbank.
Through the Foodbank and its funded Citizens Advice service, Shaun accessed help to stabilise his income, complete Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments, and secure mobility support.
Although still struggling with high local rents, he began volunteering at the Foodbank, supporting others and helping to challenge stigma around food insecurity.
However, recent announcements about potential changes to disability benefits have triggered renewed anxiety and impacted his mental health:
“They make decisions without even talking to those of us it affects the most. I haven’t been able to sleep… I’m worried sick. Will I lose my car? Will I have enough to live on?”
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