Trying to access support from my local authority has often felt like shouting into the wind—filling out endless forms, repeating my story over and over, and still getting no real help. It’s frustrating and disheartening when you’re made to feel like a burden just for asking. The system feels cold and distant, like it wasn’t designed for real people with real needs. What I needed was empathy, clear information, and timely support—but too often, I was left feeling small, judged, and alone. It shouldn't be that hard to get help when you're already struggling."