Struggling to make ends meet

Friday, 19 December 2014

The high level of poverty in some streets in the Marchwiel area was highlighted last week in a social justice report commissioned by Anglican Care.

Kelvin St resident Racheal Gates is one of many people living day-to-day and struggling to make ends meet.

'There's a lot like me around here who are struggling,' the 37-year-old said yesterday.

Report author Ruth Swale spoke to more than 30 agencies, organisations and individuals in South Canterbury over a six-month period, and the issue which stood out to her was the level of poverty in the Marchwiel area.

The research found some streets in the north-end area were within the lowest categories (9 and 10) on the deprivation index.

Gates receives a supported living benefit from Work and Income and has a casual part-time job at Strathallan Lifecare.

Three years ago, she tipped the scales at 150kg and struggled to find work.

After having gastric bypass surgery, she is now half the size she was.

'I feel good, but I have had a few underlying health issues, like chronic fatigue . . . so I can't do a lot of physical work or work long hours.'

With a diploma in social services, Gates said she would one day like to work in mental health. She also suffers from anxiety.

Because of her surgery, Gates can only eat healthy foods and this is where most of her money goes.

'I can only tolerate certain foods. Healthy foods are so expensive and my grocery bill is where I suffer the most.

'I wish the Government would drop the GST on meat and veges and put it on the junk food.'

Gates says she has tried to access a special food allowance from Work and Income.

'I had a letter from my doctor but they turned me down.

'I hate going in there to ask for help because of the way they make me feel . . . it's like the money is coming out of their own pockets.'

Gates said the Salvation Army and Family Works were helpful and she was receiving help from the Timaru Budget Advisory Service.

'My outgoings are way more than my incomings and I should be able to feel like they will help me, but I don't.'

She said all her money went on bills, and often after 'payday' her money was gone.

'Some people will ask me how I can afford my tattoos, colour my hair, afford the internet or cellphone, but I tell them I don't smoke, drink or go out. All my money goes on my son and my bills. I am more fortunate than others . . . probably because I am getting off my butt and working at it.'