Life became a lot more complicated for Malcolm (58) when he was arrested around six years ago and found himself on remand. He was in prison for three and a half months until the authorities realised he wasn’t involved in the case and the court released him. However, in that time he lost his rented flat and everything in it.
Six months of homelessness followed. “This was the worst part,” he says, until he bumped into a friend who suggested he go to the council. He was offered a room in supported housing just two days later.
“I was shocked,” he says, “but at the same time I was angry because I’d spent six months sofa surfing until I found out there was help available.”
Malcolm finds it very frustrating that it’s not easy to find out about the help that’s available. Now his situation has improved as he finally has a council flat but even recently, he says, he didn’t realise he was entitled to a £10 payment towards his heating costs until a friend mentioned it. Similarly, he had no idea he could visit a foodbank when he needed to and wonders why the job centre hadn’t told him.
“They should let people know,” he says, “so they can use their discretion whether they need to use the foodbank.”
Malcolm has used the foodbank since he went into supported housing. He stopped for a while when he moved into his council flat but then Covid hit and things went from bad to worse. He has worked in catering and was doing some voluntary work in a canteen and in a hostel for homeless people giving lessons in how to cook. He has been applying for jobs in catering or as a driver but it is hard to find work, although he has a good work adviser.
He has come back to the foodbank now following a mix up with his Universal Credit. Last year he was getting Job Seekers Allowance. “Then it changed to Universal Credit,” he explains, “and it all went pear shaped again.” He’s had an advance on his Universal Credit which he now has to pay back over 12 months.
“Now it just seems like I’m getting less and less.
“I’ve just got to keep going. I’m not in as bad a situation as others but it’s a long journey.”