Rachel (not her real name) is a 50-year-old single mother from Hertfordshire. She told the JC: “Being a single parent supporting four children has been extremely challenging financially. Just when I think there might be some light at the end of the tunnel, the cost of living increases dramatically and I find that I am back to square one.
“My energy bills have increased drastically. They are £270 a month combined. Before they increased, I was already in debt to the energy company. When that happens you get put on a meter, which is more expensive. It constantly feels like I’m being punished for being poor.
“When it was colder, I was having to tell the children not to put the heating on but add another layer or sit under a blanket.
“Not being able to pay the bills and support your family is an extremely stressful position to be in and can take you to a dark place mentally.
