Lady on Sheffield Road

Approached me on my way home tonight wearing a high quality surgical mask. Asked if I spoke English (I get that a lot, apparently I don't look very English).

I responded that I do, keeping 2 metres distance. She broke down in front of me in actual tears and begged me if I knew where she could get free food or if I could spare a couple of quid to help her. She said she had a young immuno-compromised son and couldn't feed him. Laid off at work, no government help yet apparently and can't get through to claim Universal Credit. No WiFi - been cut off for non-payment.

She seemed genuine, definitely not one of the usual spice scroats from the town centre. Very respectable looking woman; pretty, dressed well, spoke extremely well and seemed to have a good brain on her. I stopped and spoke with her for a while, keeping appropriate distance of course, and she said she's tried to get help from a foodbank but they're all either closed or overwhelmed.

I couldn't give her anything as I didn't have my wallet on me but it's been playing on my mind all night.

Just wondered if anyone could corroborate that this kind of situation, where people are literally being left without a penny and kids aren't being fed is actually happening right now? I'm naturally sceptical of anyone who approaches me in the street asking for money as it's almost always for booze, fags or drugs, but she really stood out as being genuine and it broke my heart.

What's happening with the scheme for free school meals kids? Any vouchers being given yet? It just all seemed equally as odd as it was sad.

Obviously as you all know I've had some very rough treatment from Tory governments, to the point that I'll always be grateful to this board for what you did for me in December, but I find it hard to believe thousand of kids would be left without any food at all - because ultimately if she's really in that situation she must be one of thousands.

 

If she contacts her MP they can organise help. FSM vouchers have been given out in Barnsley as far as I'm aware.

 

Did she have an eye brow pierced?

 

Honestly can't remember. Don't think so, but wasn't really paying attention to that. Is there someone in that area with a bit of a reputation?

 

I got stopped by this lass a couple of weeks ago,started off by saying she wasn't from Barnsley and she didn't do drugs but her date had give her a hiding, not a mark on her. She then said she was from round here and worked a booits, could please give us couple of quid for a taxi, I declined, no cash on me anyway but as I drove off the daughter said she recognised her & she knocked about with the less well off/druggies.

 

Tbh mate I don’t think she would have to do that for food . There’s plenty of places for help she may need prompting in their direction but if she’s starving or her son is then I’m sure she will have been informed about help .
Set your mind at rest she will probably have been after some cash I don’t know that definitely but no one starves in this country in plain sight .

 

She also wore a back to front baseball cap and of slim build and smoked.

 

Hey - as long as you are looking after yer own kids.
And Gally and his mates gets refunded then everybody will be happy.
And by the way ........ DO NOT ask for this one to be deleted.

 

Bizarre post. and why are you attempting to bully him into doing as you say?

 

The FCK’s this even supposed to mean ?

 

Schools are still providing free school meals... they are grab bags... any left overs are generally sent to the food banks and needy. sounds like a well versed confident trickster to me.

 

I can't speak for this particular individual, but in the coming weeks it won't be thousands, it will be millions that are without money and food.

 

You've totally lost me on this one! Had you partaken in some lockdown beers?

 

Mate had someone knock his door last night asking g for£25 after he'd had an accident in car, apparently he's been doing it all rahnd village, some right b@stards abart.

 

What do you expect from a blunt mate.

 

If you really want to help, you could offer to go and buy her some food (if the shops are open), or pay for the taxi when it comes. If she declines your offer, you will know that it is not genuine and she was just after money. Trouble is that a good number of folks, if you give them money, do just spend it on drugs, or the like, but if you offer to pay for what they are asking, it does tend to show if they mean it.