Fighting Shame: poverty in Leeds depicted by eight everyday objects

[@janwallace5005]

If this was 3 years ago it makes you wonder how on earth they are coping today. Kudos to the ladies looking out for their communities, I see no shame just bravery in the face of adversity.

[@stephaniewalker3288]

I was thinking exactly the same just now 😢

[@Ben31337l]

@@stephaniewalker3288 Homeless shelters have existed for decades. That's how people have survived... It's a shame there's no such facilties for men in this day and age.

[@jessicasteenbergen8246]

It's a lot worse now, and it is only going down hill more and more

[@pw4780]

We see the same problems in the US.

[@Geo65582]

@@Ben31337l in America they do least have that

[@Djtiger8090]

Homelessness can happen to anyone. Never judge a book by its cover.

[@rachelfreeders356]

Yes and no. Most of the people who are homeless for any extended period of time are there because of their own choices whether that choice be drugs or gambling etc. I agree that there are rare cases where people are put out for no reason but most places have eviction rules that give you at least a month to get out.

[@iriscollins7583]

@Dariel Ruben I'm glad that I'm not your girl friend.

[@Dingdongbingaling]

@@rachelfreeders356 you're assuming that there are accessible places for people to go if they're evicted through no fault of their own. Fyi the private rental market is horrific currently and not affordable for many, and council housing is on its knees.

[@beverleykorte6330]

Agree

[@toforgetisagem8145]

@@rachelfreeders356 I don't think many people make a career choice of drug addict or alcoholic or gambler. Addiction is a symptom rather than cause of hopelessness. Underlying much addiction is poor mental health, depression, which can hit any one any time, trauma,, such as accidents, redundancy and relationship problems. There are quite well heed people who fall into addiction because of the pressure to perform in very high stress jobs. Drug addiction is very common amongst doctors and teachers. Once on the slide it is frequently a down hill ride. Addiction services are pitifully Councils like Leeds, won't house single young men. They are expected to find private sector homes. You can not get a home without rent and you can not get benefits without a home so many young men turn to into drug addicts because it is cold in the streets. Schizophrenia is another serious cause of homelessness and alcoholism. People may not realise they are ill and their life spirals out of control until it is too late and the addictions have started. So please do not judge Even the down right dosy do better in a home. They used to have asylum in mental hospitals. Then bright sparks decided care in the community was better. But the community doesn't care.

[@JuliesTales]

It's crazy that it's trendy to shop at charity and thrift shops if you have the money to buy new clothes but it's stigmatised if you can't actually afford the new clothes. Absolutely insane.

[@vw2523]

I know right?! I was at a thrift shop looking for furniture after being homeless and I had to ask a staff member where can actually poor people find affordable furniture. He told me to contact the church 😑

[@Noname-oo9gn]

@@vw2523 nothing charitable about that. That is what does my head in can't help people in our community who are in need but are running a charity. Sorry that happened to you, hope you are in a better position now.

[@whotelakecity2001]

@@vw2523 Wow. Sick.

[@PS-bs8oe]

@@vw2523 sorry for that. Here the biggest charity recognizes when you are in need and makes you a special deal or giveaway. The people working there come from problematic economical backgrounds, so they know what being in need feels like. On top of foodstamps from the Red Cross etc. we have a new initiative Since a couple of years we also have a special foodshop ( fresh, frozen, chilled, canned), with some essential toiletries and sanitary pads& diapers. It is only accessible for families who have between approx. 800 and 1 100 pounds a month. Students run it and find lots of gifts from foodproducers and shops With raising energy bills and rent they are loosing it. Items cost 5 to 20 pence ( rough conversion) and you can shop for 20 pounds max per month.

[@beinspired1487]

Not sure if it is the same but the kids from Bedales always shopped at Charity Shops for their clothes, their parents are rolling in money.

[@gerganakoleva4137]

I so liked when the lady said "we do not do lines, but the restaurant type". It is so misunderstood that is only about being fed. Such a little thing to bring their confidence up and preserve their human dignity. So thoughtful!! Thank you all for making this movie.

[@lynnmarieanderson1744]

Ugggh, this just hits me in the gut. I'm a disabled person in Michigan, I never had kids because I knew I couldn't support them, and I'm still barely surviving myself. I can say firsthand, having to go to a food bank can be one of the most depressing experiences ever! I hate seeing moms with very young children there, I find myself wondering if this is this child's reality when they are only 2 years old, how is this child growing up??? And things are NOT always about women being irresponsible letting themselves get pregnant with no money, there's women who started out getting married and then maybe 5 years later, suddenly it's DIVORCE and now the ex husband doesn't want to pay child support and now that single mom is struggling like hell!!!! I've seen too much. No, it isn't fair and it isn't right.

[@NicoleM2108]

Children prior to school age have no idea about where food comes from and the difference between classes. It is from Kindergarten to 2nd grade where the children begin to distinguish who is "poor" and who has more wealth.

[@elmobolan4274]

This is exactly why I didn't never wanted children....I was never paternal, always enjoyed my peaceful life and I love my naps-56 yr old woman

[@karo2950]

Before they attend school there was a program called WIC that buys milk and cereal. That is something. Schools have breakfast and lunch. Some provide these meals during the summer,too.

[@beaulieuonnp593]

@@elmobolan4274 agreed. Me too. Having kids just makes any poor situation much worse.

[@miriamchalmovianska863]

You should have kid only if you can support it. Divorce happens in50% of marriages

[@somersetflower]

I am thrilled that you took the time to share this sensitive film but really ashamed that we still live in a society where our own people are scrabbling to eat, keep themselves warm let alone have special treats and a life without worry. Thankyou for your unselfish service .stay safe everyone.

[@mariarohmer2374]

I just wrote pretty much the same thing before reading your comment. The systems we have were created years ago by people who were not looking to potentially solve problems. They were only creating band aids. I don't know what it's going to take to finally start listening to innovators and not people who seek only to serve a system. A failed system.

[@janelowe4128]

What a wonderful group of women..I feel very humbled

[@ruthingle1487]

What a bunch of absolute stars, you're all helping so many people in so many ways. Much more than the actual donations. Hats off to you all.

[@tamsinwood2]

Poverty is exhausting. Poverty is stressful.

[@EstherFisher-lv6rq]

need prioritizing. first bills and food , after that paid you can have a cigarette , tattoo etc.

[@somebody4244]

The lunch ladies are angels.

[@olgaweasel3063]

Who has the right of shaming the poor? Noone. Even if their poverty is the result of bad decisions, we shouldn't shame them as all of us make mistakes. We should help them to make a better choice. I hope those ladies are doing better now. My heart is compressed when i hear about people who can't afford food or homes. Everyone should have food and home, the society which lets some people live without them is unfair.

[@esk8jaimes]

Well said.

[@forza223bowe5]

It’s the poor tax payers who have to get out of their beds at stupid o clock, in the cold and dark to go to work, to pay for these people. No wonder people are angry and bitter about it

[@geniemeadows5122]

@Olga Weasel....too many are scamming the system though and others lose out.

[@장미-o8h]

Ur right

[@perolagrande]

It's not unfair. What we spend on welfare has to be balanced by what it's fair to ask the taxpayer to contribute. Remember there's no such thing as free money from the govt, someone somewhere has to pay tax for the govt to have revenue to spend.

[@madonnawayne4130]

Sharing a hot meal is so much better than a couple of cold tins all alone by yourself.

[@robtaheri-kernow]

This makes me so sad. I'm English and work in the Middle East, and there is nowhere near as much shame and stigma surrounding poverty, just an elitism and ego among the haves like everywhere else. We English treat each other which such disdain, such contempt, whilst voting the same people into power

[@notthedoctor8621]

That is nonsense. There is stigma and worse stigma in the middle east as well. Prejudice is universal

[@stonehengemaca]

@@notthedoctor8621 Where in the middle east have you been and how did you travel throughout the entire universe. There's a noble prize if not for peace then certainly for science 😆

[@iriscollins7583]

@@stonehengemaca Nobel.

[@stonehengemaca]

@@iriscollins7583 hehe ...I'm going to blame auto correct... 🤔

[@dylandrew6071]

Because normality is ignored which is worse

[@Erinba]

The commodification of housing is one of the truest shames on our society - absolutely shameful that we need to fight for a place to live. The indignity of it all!

[@AJM-timecop]

Compassion & empathy would go a long way in this weary world.

[@esk8jaimes]

Very true, finding understanding seems to be a huge struggle for some especially those that are better of...

[@rosiered2357]

@RoadKillzine obesity is another issue of social inequality. it's not a widely known or published one however and it does seem like a paradox when you consider 3r world countries. if you are genuinely interested and not just using obesity as a means of berating the poor, there is lots of information on google about the link between food poverty and obesity ....its an eye opener for people who don't really understand nutrition.

[@Tania-fx4uz]

@RoadKillzine Must be nice to be know the solution to poverty. I don't deny that some people living in poverty get there and stay there while having no one to blame but themselves but that is not the case for everyone. Some people have no choice in the whole matter. You can think hey this is the 21st century there's lots of options available for people out there to seize their own destiny but truthfully that's just idealistic talk that people who've never been truly powerless or helpless cannot understand. Freedom, not to mention freedom of choice, belongs only to the privileged. I agree with the not having children until you can care for them properly bit but as for everything else nah. You say get an education but you need money for an education unless you're smart enough or lucky enough but how many people are that smart or that lucky in this world? You say get a job but how many graduates are jobless let alone people who haven't been to university. Not to mention the fact that the jobs that people without higher education can get are usually pay around minimum wage. Add on to the fact that usually even if something goes wrong like you get sick or injured there's always someone to replace you. If you can't accept a certain aspect of the job again there's always someone to replace you. If the bosses feel like you're getting too old, again there's always someone to replace you. People are treated like machine parts that are easily interchangeable. You say they're obese because they're uneducated but who should be blamed those who know yet say nothing or those that don't know at all. Because lots of people know about the issues surrounding obesity, and a lot of those people have the power to improve the situation but they will not do so as it would not be as profitable, so who's truly to blame? Being compassionate or at least trying to understand never harmed anyone. If you can help someone help, if you can't why bother disparaging people who truly don't need disparaging because even say their poverty is their fault, for one there are people out there who've done far worse and for another society is the way it is not because of one group of people but because of every single person living in it.

[@forza223bowe5]

Esk8 Jaimes I feel sorry for real hard up people, but I feel these people could help them selves and get a qualification and try and get a decent paid job.

[@forza223bowe5]

amanda simonite It’s self inflicted though, I see many people stuffing their face then complaining they are fat. It’s a horrible vicious circle

[@normathomas8276]

Feel so proud of these woman we are the glue of life thank God for them and their amazing compassion

[@Ben31337l]

Unlike the guardian, who seems to prefer woman over men and veterans, disgusting preferenchial and blatent sexist treatment.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@hernan5940]

I used to live in the UK and even though I graduated at uni, I can perfectly relate to their plea. Now I am in Germany. Germany treats far better their poor and unemployed. WWII defeat left everyone at the same level and one can see that effect on today's German society....sometimes losing...is winning...

[@redwaters3735]

That's a really interesting perspective. Makes alot of sense.

[@susieenglish302]

Japan is very similar

[@jennyfinck7779]

As a German living in UK right now I can't really agree. When you are poor in Germany you hassle with finding a flat, some kids don't have enough to eat either, if you don't have the right clothes you get shamed for it as well. Help from Jobcenter or Arbeitsamt almost doesn't really exist. It's more a battle of better " numbers" for employees there. Also you have rights they try to fight it and if you don't have enough money for a lawyer you almost got no chance. I will not say the child benefits and even most countries decided to have kindergarten, Hort ( after school club) are for free, doesn't help a little bit. But from year to year it gets worse in Germany.

[@hernan5940]

@Tiffany Raine haha. You obviously have no idea or you're joking

[@StevenSmith-mk5fg]

Putin got other plans :)

[@andreascola677]

A delicate and touching documentary. I do hope more and more people watch It and stop being judgemental and start being more compassionate.

[@huntress1013]

Bless those women. This was nice but my heart is heavy because the documentary was made before Covid struck and things are so much worse now.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@myday2704]

100% worse since the covid lockdowns decimated the economy. Prices are up on everything since then, so much debt and people struggling now. And worst of all we just have to live with the virus anyway!

[@thesparklingunicorn8543]

God bless those women giving back when they have sturggled themselves

[@oscargrainger2962]

My life has been one big strurggle.

[@marcusburger1523]

I've seen some comments which justify this poverty by poverty in other parts in the world. Just because other people are in worse conditions doesn't mean we schouldn't work on our problems. Which doesn't mean we shouldn't help in other countrys.

[@William-Morey-Baker]

@JCBAirmaster73 the UK created many of those other countries problems and profited off of them in the process. we're not talking ancient history either we're talking 1930s. you can hide on your island and pretend you have no obligations to the rest of the world, but one day those obligations will catch up.

[@William-Morey-Baker]

@JCBAirmaster73 you profitted for 100s of years, yet say their freedom is restitution enough?

[@marcusburger1523]

William Morey-Baker that's true and also other countrys could help instead of making profit's just for their own goods.

[@marcusburger1523]

JCBAirmaster73 and in too many cases thes wars where created by the CIA, KGB and MI6. Other western secret services where also included but the point is, that we are responsible for the wars we made and the deals we used to exploy them.

[@user-ks5ff]

Britain left most places it conquered much more developed and wealthier, take Zimbabwe for example, in 1980 it was the second most developed nation in Africa after south Africa, now look at look at it, these countries went backwards after they got independence, that lays with them, not me.

[@justsayin397]

What a lovely group of ladies. Thank you all for you dedication and hard work and most of all for caring x

[@phoenix0477]

I own my own bar in Germany, have for 16 years. But I grew up like this. Slippers made from carpet, hand me downs and not what. Mum always provided food, so never really went hungry. I'm proud to say I came from this background as you will never ever see such an amazing community. And these ladies prove it. I hope they're all OK, and have a better life now.

[@ShakeDownStreet0714]

How do you make slippers out of carpet? That actually sounds creative.

[@connieh6136]

Communities are so important ,thank you for sharing your experience 😊

[@nothingbutthetruth2145]

Give that lady an award. She is amazing 👏. All the work she does.

[@frazermurray8605]

A huge credit to these fantastic women who produced this film.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@jokepple6792]

What an amazing and inspirational group of women. I am in awe of your strength.

[@deniseg-hill1730]

My friend had cancer but she still had her job after she recovered, but she worked for a Local Authority who paid her salary while she was off. If you work in the private sector i am sure it is different. My family were poor and my Dad had a full time and part time job so he could pay the bills.. My Mother worked from home. There was no help with rent or rates. No tax credits and child benefit was not paid for the 1st child in those days. There were plenty of families like ours where we lived. There were no supermarkets until Tescos opened in 1966. So we all had to use individual shops. People cooked from scratch. Simple meals but nutritious. We could only afford fresh meat once a fortnight and butter was a treat. We had lots of vegetarian meals and my mother made all our bread cakes biscuits and pies with wholemeal flour and honey or a liitle brown sugar. The Doctor told my parents we were the healthiest children in his catchment area.

[@susieenglish302]

Our family was exactly the same. I work in the private sector and get 10 days paid sick leave a year. I have a pain condition and still go in and cry in the toilet if I have to

[@forza223bowe5]

Public sector jobs are the best places to work. Private sector is a nightmare to work for

[@장미-o8h]

@@susieenglish302 😭😭😭

[@yungjoemighty879]

ok boomer

[@Vickii45]

And when was this??? In the 1970s??

[@julikyle1832]

Thank you so much for providing this support in such a dignified and respectful way! ❤️

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@teddybear283]

I absolutely love the service attitude and involving the people in the service. They don’t want pity.

[@Geonopedi]

The eloquence and honesty of these ordinary people exceeds every government spokesperson i've ever seen on TV - thank you Guardian for amplifying these voices.

[@moniquem783]

What a powerful film. Kudos to those amazing ladies. It’s terrible that so many people were in these situations then, and even more are now. It’s scary.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@caroleniemiec9376]

Don't judge too quickly. Yes, tattoos cost but women were working. Something has to give, as the lunch club proves, helping people to help themselves. If one person in every 5, offered volunteering , what a better world we would live in.

[@lozzylols]

Totally agree, that woman was working, and had the money to treat herself to things. She didn't ask to get cancer and be unable to work, also she can't remove her skin to get the money back now. We can't live our lives in fear of being ill one day and preparing for it!

[@grassytramtracks]

@@lozzylols exactly, she probably could afford the tattoo at the time she got and you can't bring the tattoo back to the tattoo artist and get a refund

[@teresawilliamson9377]

Yeah we can start with one in 5 politicians. 🥴

[@nbandpinportugal]

Great wisdom in asking people if there's anything they need before they have to ask you for help.

[@MB-yi5oy]

Its having the ability to be actually able to see another person and "read" whats going on.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@kirstyshaw7253]

Such a moving and honest portray of life on the bread line. Well done to all you women fighting polity and shame. Thank you for sharing your stories. It has made me reflect, I’m wanting to do more x

[@karenmclaughlan9128]

This is so close to my heart as been made homeless with my young son when my ex partner threw us out onto the streets. We were homeless for 6 weeks untill we managed to get into accommodation. I had very little money and was worried sick how I would manage to feed my son. With the help of some wonderful people we managed to have food in our tummys. I'll never forget those people and how greatful I am. I pray one day that all poverty ends x

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@andrewlloydwebster5656]

Why did he chuck you out?

[@Mgameing123]

@@andrewlloydwebster5656 Maybe just divorce are not bothering to have child and say "It's not my problem".

[@kerrykrishna]

What a FAB documentary. Whomever had this idea and talked Folks into participating, and film folks into it, well, you should be incredibly proud.

[@andrewfield272]

Thank you for making this film. I hope it goes global and shames this country on the world stage. They have forgotten who made this Country Great!

[@Bulletguy07]

Mary and her friends organising hot food at the local church is what this country needs more of. Selfless people helping the less well off.

[@dianacasey6002]

No what you need is a government that takes care of ppl. It’s great that ppl have come together but ppl shouldn’t have to do this.

[@dinkster1729]

@@dianacasey6002 There's nothing wrong with eating together as a community. The government should be supporting it more though. Providing the space and the food and the organizers.

[@dianacasey6002]

@@dinkster1729 did I not say that it’s great that ppl get together

[@firebyrd437]

People can come together and eat but in this case its not a service its survival and these volunteers need to be applauded however the government is responsible to ensure that people have enough money to eat and heat their homes and to increase the pension to a living pension for the elderly. What really angers me is working class people voting for the tories and allowing the poorest in our society to get even more poorer, they had a choice at the last election and they turned it down, the guardian was just as responsible as the right wing media in smearing a man that wanted to help the poor

[@annecampbell9236]

And they need the GOV TO STEP UP…..

[@HR-od9fl]

I am in tears watching this ,don't be ashamed all you lovely people ❤️ how can this happen in our so called great Britain 🤬

[@ianwylie9064]

we don't need more material stuff by and large in my opinion, we need cultural integrity and a sense of shared purpose.

[@graceomalley4]

People need homes, food and clothing. Hopeless is something society can eradicate.

[@CaliWeHo]

👍😌

[@ellijk4976]

yes. but people need food, clean water and shelter and decent quality of life.

[@linesided]

So say we all.

[@ellijk4976]

@@Royal_Fortune by definition no, religious people at the clergy are supposed to live in poverty according to scripture

[@harshavajjhala1484]

Hats off Guardian ! India has a lot of poverty, but i never saw such a report from the local press. They are more interested in how the local politician has mudslinged his opponent etc. It's really heart wrenching to see a developed nation like UK having poverty. We are fighting a common enemy...

[@annmowatt7547]

How could any rich person watch this, or know about what is happening, and do nothing? It is heart - breaking. Having is for sharing, as these ladies are doing.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@ITSAGIRRAFE1]

What a great bunch of people. There to serve and help their community.

[@winnielombe123]

This is such a beautiful and intellectual documentary that everyone should watch. I hope and pray all their lives become better.

Winnie Margret Intellectual ? We have women with no skilled popping out kids and buying wedding dresses, complaining that the free money isn’t enough

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@adamlawrence4690]

..old values and caring for each other. Truth right there. Congratulations and bless you all for fighting the fight and raising increased awareness on this ever increasing shocking situation 👍❤️🇦🇺

[@angustp5285]

People should be saved from poverty. People shouldn't be shamed for being poor.

[@esk8jaimes]

Well said!

[@ThoseCaliKidzz]

What a basic, ignorant statement to make. If we could save them from poverty we would have already. This isn't a utopian society.

[@desthomas3020]

Pay people a living wage! It's the government's fault,

[@forza223bowe5]

If you are poor, then I don’t think anybody should be shamed for it. But, the best thing would be to gain a qualification and try and get a decent paid job and better them selves. Problem is, they don’t help them selves and waste all their money on sky tv, and smoking

[@forza223bowe5]

Des Thomas The left don’t understand basic economics, then prices would rise and nobody could be able to afford things

[@wafflemakerx7652]

Totally unacceptable when people are billionaires globally and contribute absolutely nothing. This government has harmed social structures SO much.

[@SDALLE99]

They do not have a morally obligation to help those in need

[@lw3646]

Come off it. I'd like to see these women spend a day in the shoes of a third world person. They'd never complain again about how bad their lives are.

[@SELondonUSA]

@@lw3646 What a worthless comparison.

[@kristinesharp6286]

It does not matter how much another has. The billionaire did not take it from another. The UK has a support system. When you don’t have money everyone else has too much? UK used to house half the country. Now it only houses 17%. These homeless in temp accommodation the temp accommodation is covered by the government.

[@kevinsyd2012]

@Steph D. Like David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton you mean?

[@mellie9633]

Everything has changed so much since I grew up in England...glad to see communities making things bearable for others.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Much much worse today 3.years later

[@mariahsmom9457]

There is not shame in wearing second hand. It isn't poverty to wear hand me downs, we did it growing up too. I still wear second hand and feel fine about it.

[@anettahryniszynlynskey13]

poverty is such a sensitive subject. but it needs to be shown, so people would learn it could happened to anyone. we need to be supportive and respectful.

[@eszzsofi]

Thank you for making this. It's crucial to increase both understanding and the sensitivity of the better-off members of the public about the shame connected to poverty.

[@TheGodParticle]

That Birthday gathering at the end almost brought a tear to my eye. Mary really is heaven sent, a real Angel.

[@c.t5136]

My world stopped when the LEA stopped my education grant (1980's). I had to walk to school, 4 miles each way, I had no winter coats, shoes, so sometimes couldn't go to school. Went without food, because of the stopping of free lunches and had to start work at 13. It was tough and shameful. BUT! It caused me to go into my career and is partly responsible for the person that I am today, which is pretty alright. I have great empathy and kindness because I have 'been there''. And having been around and about a lot, I am proud to be me than someone who had it easier and is less kind. Insight is a most valuable gift - IF - you get through it

[@julietcrowson3503]

Big hug to You Brave Soul ✝️🙏☮️🌻🕊️

[@mamastired7033]

Well done!! And well said

[@oldishandwoke-ish1181]

The 1980s is when it all started again.

[@thaliasghost]

Thank you for uploading this. It's important we keep showing rich politician's the life they create for people. Thank you also for giving people a voice, thank you to each of these women to have the courage and strength to do it, and thank you to the one woman here who is working to help others.

[@lindab8078]

Such an inspiring group off women! Thank you for sharing your stories. This has inspired me to get out and do more for those in need. We should see the need and fill it, not wait for those who need help to ask.

[@MR-wz9zw]

If we just cracked down and started taxing the rich and make corperations pay a living wage, we wouldn't have these issues. The solution is easy.

[@stonehengemaca]

I'd just like to congratulate you on attracting none of the usual hateful comments from stating something most consider common sense 👏👏 I'd also like to add that the government could close any tax loop holes that allow the rich to dodge contributing to the UK treasury..

[@susanclayton3712]

your a great group of ladies with huge hearts you give people the reason to carry on no matter how hard it gets at times.i have the up most respect for all your dedication and hard work.xx

[@breezluize3282]

The fathers of these children should be held to financial accountability.

[@roden70]

They are probably poor too.

[@RosesAreGold1]

The mums may not want the fathers near the kids as they may be toxic/ dangerous. Asking for financial help can open up communication that can be traumatising. But yes of course they should probably sort themselves out

[@breezluize3282]

@@RosesAreGold1 In The States, the fathers have their wages sent or garnished to the state and the state sends the money to the mother. No physical contact/interaction between the parents is necessary. The entire burden of raising children shouldn't be left to the mother. Hunger and homelessness are daily traumas unto themselves.

[@RosesAreGold1]

@@breezluize3282 in the uk if the dad is on the birth certificate they are allowed a say in the child’s life. In the USA how do you prove they’re even the dad?

[@breezluize3282]

@@RosesAreGold1 DNA/paternity tests are court mandated.

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

Well done, Ladies! I’m very sorry that Leeds has failed its people. I hope a change of leadership comes soon. Hugs to you all!

[@lesleyallinson8738]

Last year we lost our mum, mum always hated funerals so we had just a cremation she was in a cardboard box. I have told my children that's what I want no fuss no waisting money, we all went to mum and dads house on a set day dad had pictures blown up ,flowers the grown up children provided a lovely spread. For hours we told each other our memories of what we did with her it was so much nicer than having a religious service because they didn't know her. She used to say don't worry just put me on the compost heap that made us all laugh she wasn't religious so she got her wish

[@jamescollins6085]

I think it's great that you respected your mother's wishes. So many families pay out for extravagant funerals when the time spent with family is what really matters.

[@beaulieuonnp593]

haha, she had a great sense of humour

[@sandy420]

This is exactly what my mum wants for her funeral, its also what i want for mine...I couldn't condone thousands being spent on my burial :))

[@rachaelwoods4569]

That's disgusting that they make people go without benefit for 6-8 weeks the ladys at the church are like angels. Seeing this now I want to do something to help I will put a item in the charity bin every time I go food shopping.

[@mamastired7033]

Agreed... its just inhuman to expect someone to go without payment for that long... i wonder if they'd like to not be paid for that length of time??

[@callie8007]

It's better to donate money directly to local kitchens and pantries, as they can get special discounts at stores and buy bulk so it goes farther than a single can. They also have a better idea as to the food that is needed.

[@garliclasagna]

Everybody has dignity and deserves respect

Paul Lozano the taxpayer deserves respect top. People popping out kids when they have no skill and expecting others to pay is not a world of respect

[@leebennett1821]

Respect has to be earned its not a right I will be polite to you until you give me a reason not to then I will tell you exactly what I think of you

[@helenabarnett1699]

What kind of person would consider a “Go Fund Me” page begging when it was set up to pay for a funeral?!?.. especially when funerals can be/are very expensive & even more so when the death wasn’t expected. So now the person that’s left to deal with a loved ones death is not only grieving & going through the process of that but also has to deal with being shamed bc they need help & is being labeled a beggar bc of that. The person/ppl that are judging someone asking for help are the ones that ought to be ashamed of themselves.

[@kelliejackson3563]

it is begging, however you dress it up.

[@jennawalden8547]

Of course it’s begging. I have faced hard times and death of close family, but wouldn’t dream of putting up a “ go fund me” page

[@kikkan7110]

What a wonderful group of women. Thank you so very, very much❤

[@dawnbennett2669]

Uk is so depressing

[@boinkadoinkk]

at least they have healthcare

[@azillliasmith2734]

It's not really it's beautiful we do get treated badly though if that's that what you mean....

[@cathymillar9900]

What a wonderful group of women

[@lilymorry4140]

Lovely to see ladies coming together and supporting each other, uplifting to watch.

[@loobylooroden6176]

It's shameful that such a wealthy country even needs to have food banks. Sickening.

[@mente3810]

Nah no matter how rich a country is there will always be unlucky people. Nothing wrong with a foodbank

[@spillarge]

we dont need food banks. Its about people prioritising the wrong things. Its about time we had an honest debate about the finances and decisions made by individuals using food banks. It will be quite a revelation.

[@newbris]

@@mente3810 recent studies showed the uk poor had much less than the poor in many other similar European countries. Maybe inequality has got out of hand.

[@oldishandwoke-ish1181]

@@mente3810 Before Tory Austerity they were not needed. I'm 61 and for me, they're a relatively new thing.

[@oldishandwoke-ish1181]

@@spillarge No, it's aboiut people being poor. Being poor means you simply don't have the money to buy the things you need. 40+ years of neoliberalism have done this.

[@esk8jaimes]

Great work on this short documentary, a job well done. X

[@kittyhinkle3739]

So many people judge people who are heavy, even obese, saying they cant be hungry if they are big. They fail to take into account that people who subsist on starches and sugars, typically the cheapest foods, will put on weight but be nutritionally deficient so they crave more food. Its a vicious cycle. Its malnourishment because that body is not getting the nutrition it needs but gets an excess of nutritionally deficient calories. This has its own stigma.

[@blancasanchez7538]

"The work goes on , the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die." FIGHT ON LADIES!

[@kimsymes2816]

My heart goes out to these people.

[@tonyahohepa2046]

I am looking for inspiration thru the downfall of the economy due to cornavirus and I am grateful to watch this documentary. My husbands hours have dropped dramatically and I can see him hurting more and more everyday. It takes a lot to ask for help even more to avoid your own personal battles of letting down your family when you can't provide anxiety paranoia and depression. With more people and families here in new zealand in the same boat I hope we can stick together like these ladies. Unfortunately I do not really seeing that happen in today's reality.

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

Perhaps you can talk to your pastor and ask for some space in the church and put out a call to parishioners who want to work with you to find solutions to the needs of the needy in the community. This has inspired me to do so, where I live.

[@locksleynet]

It's interesting to see some of the poverty in the UK in this way... Highly advanced economy but yet there are actually a lot of people living on the edge. So much food wasted every year, companies making so much in profit and paying peanuts. Ridiculous.. Not sure what the solution is... So sad..

[@esk8jaimes]

Seems the solution is community-led projects that support local needs whatever they may be, costs money though. Cooperation is key I find.

[@esk8jaimes]

Seems like the concept of salvaged 'Junkfood/fair-trade' projects are on the rise though, makes sense but takes some corporate convincing...

[@liawatson5789]

Increasing taxes on the rich.

[@stonehengemaca]

The government can close tax loop holes and force multi billionaire companies to pay their taxes

[@florence1395]

@@liawatson5789 The rich are taxed at a much higher rate! People I know who are high earners who work extremely hard pay lot’s of tax. Unfortunately when their children hit problems they don’t get state help. They get no help & believe me the tax goes up. It’s the super wealthy who should be giving more to help genuine, real genuine poverty not lazy people who don’t work out of laziness or choice!

[@elizabethwiltshire715]

Well done ladies. I feel ashamed for doing so little for others. I will make an effort when the pandemic is over.

[@samanthawarman3062]

My heart goes out to every single one of these people and everyone suffering poverty. Nobody should be going hungry or without essential items in this country. It makes me mad that you can get free contraception but not free sanitary items. Both should be free. Being female and having periods isn't a choice and for families with a mother and teenage girls this can be an expensive monthly cost that some just can't afford and going to the pharmacy to get prescribed sanitary items should be possible just as you can get prescribed contraception. Lots of changes needed in this country. Taking money from the government looks easy but its not. Its not laziness in a lot of cases. There's so many underlying causes for people being on benefits that really aren't choice and the system is failing those who have no option but to be out of work. I recommend watching the film I, Daniel Blake. A true representation of how many are being truly let down by the government.

[@dcg590]

Your idea about free is completely unfair to people who are paying for it.

[@truthserumproductions2312]

This was beautifully made! Such a shame.

[@rach5137]

Women and men can fall into poverty at any time Women facing period poverty hits home I’ve been there barely scrapping together enough for period products - not even high branded ones either These things are not taken into account when people are on benefits women don’t get extra for personal essentials each month it literally is about paying bills and feeding and clothing your kids…

[@Jaime-eg4eb]

I think it's important to recognize the mental state that comes with these type of situations. The trauma of becoming impoverished often lingers, and once one has acquired a certain financial state it's easy to interiorize that as part of your identity, instead of analyzing the situation coldly and coming with a plan to improve it. That plan could take years, depending on how bad the situation is, but there usually is a light at the end of the tunnel. If we get carried away by the trauma we may refuse to see it. That's my experience anyway. I wish the people on the documentary the best.

[@ThekaiserXD]

Some of the comments are horrible. The system of profit cannot afford everyone to be a millionaire. The cycle of poverty is just that, a cycle. Its self perpetuating that is becoming more and more impossible to leave. Its amazing to see communities coming together to help. It'll be through similar acts of unity, directed towards the system that cultivates poverty: capitalism, that'll bring end to this madness of profit before people. I really hope ppl will begin to realise the power they hold when coming together, realizing their common conditons of oppression and fight back!

[@esk8jaimes]

Aye, communication and cooperation is key!

[@marciajones2993]

Some people are horrible, with no empathy for others. 💙

[@islanddweller3674]

For the lady who was choosing between a bus ride and a coffee? Many charity shops have vacuum flasks very cheap and they are a Godsend. I used to get out s we all need to do then enjoy a leisurely coffee in a park etc. I actually hate cafes!

[@tinimeanie]

It's a pure shame that we put our elderly through such hardships

[@leew1598]

If you work all your life you will get a state pension and a company pension, that's more than enough. The main issue is that years ago you retired at 60, probably dead by 65, people are now living for 20-30 years after they retire but they aren't putting enough money into their pensions earlier in life.

[@dcg590]

Their own fault.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@martinabcbeers]

How much worse is it now (2022) it's horrendous, and this is not only in the UK it's here as well ( Holland )

[@robinp2351]

I share my heart with the brave people on this video. You are on tbe other side of the world but not forgotten by those in the US that share your suffering and live your story. May those who have begin to provide miracles for those who do not. This is my prayer for 2019 and on into the future. Bless you all...

[@esk8jaimes]

Amen to that!

Robin P Brave ? The first girl chose to get pregnant before she had a skill ! What is brave about that ? It’s idiotic

[@kellyweber627]

What special beautiful ladies helping the needy when they are needy themselves 🙏🏻💕 Angels on earth 💕

[@rowanbowyer6560]

I want to say thankyou to all those who go out of their way to help others, and to acknowledge that minister and his brother who take it in his stride, no fuss, no embarrassment, no drama collecting the sanity products for women!!!. Here in Australia I’ve just become aware of the very real need for providing women with these products, here in Australia those products are heavily taxed so can be expensive! Those are the type of things that should be openly and cheaply available, food and housing should be available to people especially the vulnerable!

[@Beewalsh.1321]

God Bless you ladles.

[@esk8jaimes]

I second that, wonderful lot. X

[@slydoll7877]

That lady running the lunch club is the very thread which holds communities together.

[@homosexualpanic]

God bless those ladies and their ladles.

[@esk8jaimes]

@@slydoll7877 Very true. We often underestimate the importance of a communal eating space, being around people when we feel isolated.

[@slydoll7877]

@@esk8jaimes Yes definitely. Heart breaking to see the older people there...but perhaps for some of them it's more of a social need than a financial one. I hope.

[@HeartBreakHigh]

Thus was an excellently well put together, genuinely heartfelt film showing the lives of people living in these kinds of situations. Such respect and empathy in this film. It’s a gem of a film we can all learn from. Thank you to the filmmakers and thank you to The Guardian for always giving people the opportunity to have their voices out there to be heard.

[@romaincaze6583]

It's been long that I didn't see a well work like this ! Thank you from France !

[@annemaxwell9975]

Thank you for your humility to bring this to everyone's attention. We must all do better and especially within our own communities. 🙏

[@lruss5050]

You don't really understand until it happens to you! ❤

[@Ann3M4r13]

Thanks

[@InvisibleVicky]

Watching this now in 2022. Who would of thought things would be worse than here. It’s awful. Why is our country like this’? These are humans.

[@ruthwhall3020]

You ladies are something to be proud of certainly never feel ashamed I admire each and everyone of you ❤

[@paullynton-green6570]

Me too.marvelous,strong minded women.respect big-time.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏽

[@mrbearbear83]

I'm guessing that landlord got no punishment

[@wafflemakerx7652]

Landlords are parasites

[@julezpanda14]

Amazing women, thank you for allowing this documentary to be made, you touch so many lives and they'll never forget you

[@sandygarber7278]

Bless these kind Woman ! 🙏🏻

[@riastuart6209]

I am no longer proud to be British. I have seen my own share of homelessness and poverty. To see the little one on here who was still hungry and went back for seconds is terrible, That our children are going hungry or sofa surfing, going without the basics makes me angry and upset. I was a woman with no little ones when I was on the streets and hungry. To see those women with children suffering is so very much worse then I went through. This government is a disgrace and cares not for the people, provided they get their payrises and perks. We have a RF who live off the taxpayers and Prince Charles is handed £3M in bags, for what? Selling British Nationality? Most little girls dream of being a princess and the little girl in the film probably dreams of having regular meals. There is so very much wrong in Britain and those of us who paid in income tax and our families also, did for the wellbeing of our people, All the politics of sending money to other countries and the 'wheeling and dealing' done by our governent is not helping the people of Britain, except for a certain few. Taxpayer paid £12M to a woman Prince Andrew had 'never met'. Time for some big changes and time that British pople had roofs over their heads and food in their bellies and the little one were warm, well-fed and secure. I can only hope that those who understand and have the power can bring about the changes needed!

[@donnaharewood9982]

You should remember how much Britain TOOK from other countries. Still far more than they give.

[@pinkiesue849]

American here: why is Charles handed money from the people? I don't get it

[@piedwagtailrameau]

I feel very sad to see Britain in this state... the corporate rich getting richer and the socially poor being reduced to humiliating circumstances. Everyone seems to have a story, we need to hear them....

[@dcg590]

Why does everyone crucify the rich? Your life, your choices.

[@annatobeck2083]

Omg these ladies r true angels on earth