What an amazing experience it was to attend a meeting inside No.10 Downing Street with Covid Realities, CPAG, MPs, Cabinet Ministers and a group of friends from the project to discuss child poverty. We all put our thoughts across extremely well. The meeting was managed to perfection, I felt we were listened too and consideration was taken to all of our points and thoughts with very positive feedback, Apart from the fact this is something I will never forget there were good indications that we are being listened to at that changes will be made in a system that is simply not working. Thank you to all involved in putting this together at short notice. Lets all get going in order to end child poverty for good.

To me now what most important is my son, he needs me more than I need him now. Finding everything very difficult in school and also what makes me happy is that the school is so helpful and I’m very grateful 🙏

What a day! So proud to be part of Changing Realities!

I feel powerful!

I feel heard.

I feel worthwhile.

I feel strong.

Thank you to everyone who made today possible xx

Omg it's freezing! I hope everyone out in the sticks are OK and bracing their selves for the snow that's forecast.

I've just been given a fuel voucher for £49 from the citizens advice crisis team and being able to turn on my heating tonight has been a god send.

Another good positive this week is the local council have agreed to defer my youngest son starting school for a year. So he will now start at 5 years and 4 months instead of 4 years and 4 months. Honestly the most certain I've Been about anything in my life. I was expecting to have to fight for this decision and the local council have agreed straight away with no fight necessary.

Honestly the relief is overwhelming x

On Friday 08 November I attended the Lived Experience in Social Security Policy Research event at LSE in London with researchers and other participants from Changing Realities. This was a wonderful experience and very well organized by all involved in putting the day together. There were many academics presenting and a chance for participants from other similar groups to explain how we work together and what difficulties are involved in such a project both in person and via video link. It was good to hear a variety of opinions from all involved, leaving me with a lot to think over. Personally I am still very dubious about the use of AI in this type of research but as explained there is still a lot of work to be done in order for this to go ahead. All involved in the day were very respectful of others' views and opinions and we were made to feel equal and welcome with our own thoughts and feelings. When the event had formally finished for the day there was a drinks reception where I could talk more openly to some of the other attendees about what research has been done on a couple of issues that are of interest to me. It was a long and tiring day but I am honoured to have been invited to speak at this event.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all involved in putting this amazing day together and for helping me with being able to attend, with special thanks to Ruth / Uisce from Changing realities / Lizzie / Maria from Child Poverty Action Group

Wonderful news. My 19 yo gets PIP - in his review recently, he dropped from Enhanced Mobility to Standard Mobility. We asked for Mandatory Reconsideration - but they wouldn't change the decision. He had to give back his Motability car. which was devastating for him. I know it was only 2 points, but we lodged an appeal anyway. Today, they rang to say that he can have enhanced mobility again without having to go to tribunal! Me: 5 - 0 :DWP Over the moon! xxx

PS. If you manage to get to tribunal stage - because they will always try to knock you back. success rates are currently 68% My message is - never give up - appeal, appeal, appeal. x

In the midst of tidying the midden that is my computer desk, I happened upon a forgotten coffee bag that I had not yet brewed. The feeling of unbridled joy on discovering this gem was monumental. Currently enjoying said treat - a Changing Realities hug in a hug. Bliss!

I don’t know why but I’m really looking forward to Christmas this year. Normally I dread it as it’s very costly but this year the children age 10 and 15 don’t really want much. They are so sweet. I feel very blessed.

The sunshine makes even the biggest problems seem a little less.

Funding must have been put back into mental health lately because back in 2017 I waited 9 months for CBT even when in dire crisis.

This Time I am not in crisis just needing a little help and after self referring to a local talking therapies through the GP, I have an appointment already merely weeks after the referral.

This is a massive step in the right direction x

Feeling the effects of the summer holidays now and my daughters 15th birthday as I'm back to being broker than broke. But the sun is shining. I have my beautiful children so for today I am looking for the positives

My big dreams is turn my obstacle into opportunity and my problem into possibilities we’re gonna be fine one day our lives will move like the breeze…

My child and I, could not afford to go on holiday. But one of the charities did take us on a day trip to a farm park and we loved it. At least it did get us out of the house to see different things. My child enjoyed the play area and the view of animals. We didn't visit the strawberry farm, that's because my child was engrossed with play. We hope next holiday, we can afford to go on a vacation. Happy weekend every one.

I was invited to a summer party for children by an organisation helping the migrants it was very fun a lot of play toys for children