I am… on universal credit

24/11/2017 | Reform 1

‘If it wasn’t for my kids, I might have killed myself. This system is just horrible’

I waited nine weeks for universal credit. They told me they didn’t get the form they needed, so I sent it off again. Then … Read More

I am… a former heroin addict

31/10/2017 | Reform

Chrissie tells her story of heroin addiction and recovery

I never wanted to conform. Growing up, what excited me was risk. Adrenaline was my first drug – that, and fantasy about being someone else, someone who felt free. Not feeling … Read More

I am… a foodbank user

22/09/2017 | Reform

Using a foodbank for the first time at 58

The first time I went to a foodbank was about 18 months ago. I was working in a sub post office, as a manager, on a very low wage. I was … Read More

I am… on a zero-hours contract

25/08/2017 | Reform

A new, anonymous column for Reform

I am a nursery worker in the north of England. I work, and I am in poverty. I have worked at three different nurseries on zero-hours contracts. I usually hear on the Friday … Read More