Norwich man pushed to poverty used rainwater to wash clothes

Michael, from Norwich, fell on hard times 12 years ago. 

But it was the aftermath of the pandemic that caused his life to "go downhill" after losing employment as a labourer amid struggles with health issues. 

He said: "I always tried to save my pennies but when the pandemic hit I lost all my work so had to sell all my tools, everything I could - it pushed me over the edge. 

"I was collecting rainwater in buckets to wash my clothes in and kept milk in the cold water to keep it fresh as I couldn't afford to run the fridge.

"I dare not put the heating on in case the costs get out of control and hardly ever use the cooker.

"It was very stressful and demeaning. I was waking up and worrying every morning and just living day to day and waiting to see what would come round the corner." 

But Michael has since reached out to Future Projects at the Norwich charity's Baseline centre in Knowland Grove, which has served as a lifeline for many this winter by offering health, housing and financial support. 

'Life-threatening decisions'

Mr Buxton is just one example of someone who has been driven to poverty in recent years. 

It comes as Norfolk Citizens Advice reported an "alarming" rise in people seeking help and they are concerned the situation is likely to get worse in 2023 when the energy support scheme stops in April.

It is now the biggest issue they are facing with 14,000 people seeking help last year compared to 900 in 2021 with a growing number of middle-income families struggling to make ends meet.

Mark Hitchcock, chief executive of Norfolk Citizens Advice (Image: Newsquest)

Mark Hitchcock, chief executive of Norfolk Citizens Advice, said: "I had to check the figures three times as I couldn't believe it was that high.

"It is shocking and is now the biggest issue we are facing.

"We are seeing debt lead people to regularly make life-threatening decisions, with people going without food, heating, washing, turning fridges off - key requirements for living.

"It is affecting everybody."

The cost of living crisis is causing more and more people to fall into debt (Image: Newsquest)

In the first seven working days of 2023, Citizens Advice helped 280 people in crisis after falling into debt, with the demand accelerating throughout last year.

The charity is seeing a rise in middle-income groups in debt trouble and has said they are speaking to families who have maxed out credit cards and owe thousands of pounds in loans despite both parents working due to the rising cost of living.

However, it is women, those living on their own and people with disabilities or health issues that are most at risk of falling through the cracks, according to Mr Hitchcock.

He added: "We are seeing lots of people who have never had to manage under such dire circumstances.

"The risk of isolation under these pressures is particularly a problem for those living alone and the outcomes can be much, much worse, leading people to make life-threatening decisions in some circumstances."

Future Projects have been providing people with food hampers and offering a 'warm bank' for people at its Baseline centre in Norwich (Image: Future Projects)

'We need long-term solutions'

While the growing number of food and 'warm' banks are providing vital support to many during the cost of living crisis, for Mr Hitchcock, not enough is being done to find long-term fixes.

"Community facilities are increasing which is good to see," he said, adding: "but these are Victorian solutions to Victorian levels of poverty.

"We need long-term solutions to address the impact of what we are seeing, which is likely to be felt for years to come."

What help is out there?

Mr Hitchcock said: "It is important to look at it holistically and not ignore certain debts but reaching out for help is key.

"Don't isolate yourself, and find support before problems grow."

There are a number of support services across the county, from charities to assistance from local councils ranging from vouchers, bursaries and state benefits.

More information on where to get support can be found at citizensadvice.org.uk.