Hattersley and Mottram Community Media

I thought I had made an appointment to speak to the Lone Parent advisor to discuss my options but it turned out the appointment was to start a new claim for jobseekers allowance. Because I really want to work I started the new claim but at the back of my mind I could hear Muriel saying "make sure you understand the implications of changing your benefit from income support to jobseekers allowance."

After being told I could apply to Future Jobs Fund I took Muriel's advice and tried to contact a Lone Parent Advisor. I rang the main contact number of benefits which is an 0845 number. Can someone explain why important services like benefits have 0845 numbers which can cost 40p a minute using my pay as you go mobile? I have a mobile because I can't afford a land line but then end up having to pay money I can't afford to hold on waiting for a reply, and I end up getting cut off before I get hold of anyone because I run out of credit.

My names Cherelle, I'm 23 years old and I'm a single mum with a six year old son Malakie. I've been volunteering for HMCM for just a year. I help out in the office, where I'm learning new skills and doing an ITQ qualification, and I also help out at events and activities.

One afternoon I was in the office when someone came in to see Muriel, the manager, about the Future Jobs Fund. After ear wigging, when the person left I asked Muriel why other people could get paid work but I couldn't? Muriel explained that to get on Future Jobs Fund you had to meet certain criteria, one of which was to be on job seekers allowance. As I was on income support I didn't meet the criteria.

I saw it on the news – Ex-Soldier climbs mountain high
Raising money for all those like him, now struggling to get by
Those who government sent to war, a pointless exercise
Costing precious lives and billions of pounds with reasons based on lies
The once proud soldier, feeling half the man he used to be
But support, compassion and understanding only comes from you and me

The governments turn their backs their ignorance is bliss
Once you’re surplus to requirements you aint gonna be missed
It’s these same politicians who give nothing to the needy

The roots of all evil is money, you say,
So curse me with it. And send it my way.
Send fifties and twenties, then curse me with more
I’ve worked all my life but still I am poor.

I’ll buy a house in Beverley Hills,
Write out cheques to pay my bills,
Buy diamond rings for my queen
Have a phone and a fax machine.

Drive sporty cars and dress up smart,
Smoke cigars and look the part,
Board a plane or take a cruise,
Wear golden chains and leather shoes.

The roots of all evil is money, you say,
So curse me with it and send it my way,
What the Hell comes to curse me with cash

With a spring in your step, and a spring in your mood
The winter is over, it does so somewhat intrude.
The winter has gone now, no more black or grey;
The colours are returning, from their long holiday.

The sky becomes blue, the fields return to green
The winter just came and stole them; It is so; cruel and mean!
There is a flow to the river again, after the long and bitter freeze
The bluebells are swaying in the mild springtime breeze.

There is red, pink and yellow, quite easy on the eye;
Just take in the scenery ' feel that natural high;

The time of month – what doom and gloom
How did I get here again - so soon
I can’t see the roses, It’s like I grow horns
I’m twisting and hurting getting caught up in thorns

And I wanna scream really loud coz life feels hard
Why’ve I been dealt such a losing card
So I wanna run away and be alone
Be “unavailable” and switch off my phone

I trash my mind with this negative thinking
I’m feeling oblivious but I carry on drinking
I try to remember what I tried to forget
I’m feeling bloated and I start to sweat

I get so emotional so don’t make me cry

There’s times I sit and wonder why,
Why, my friend, you chose to die.
Even though it makes me sad,
I can’t forget good times we had,
It only seems like yesterday.
You chose to take your life away,
But there’s one thing I’ll always know,
The good die young, you proved it so.
Even though you’ve passed away
In my thoughts and heart you’ll stay
Rest in peace, dear friend. Farewell.
Love you always,
Steve Kantel

by Terry Morrison
Steve Kantel©Terry Morrison

It’s time for me to say goodbye
Don’t cry for me, we all must die.
I’ve broke some rules, some night say,
But what I did, I did my way.

Don’t weep for me, my little one,
I’ve passed away, but life goes on.
If you find it hard to stop the tears,
Just recall my golden years.

Remember the good times that we had,
Don’t be angry, don’t be sad.
I’ve lived my life how I thought best.
I dealt my cards and all the rest
I’ve played my role, I played my part
Though out of sight I leave my heart.

Remember me with a smile on your face

They say it affects 1 in 3
Well cancer took my Mam from me
I’ll never forget diagnosis day
That word “Cancer” just wouldn’t go away

And after that it was just a roller coaster ride
But you were so strong, so positive, so dignified
You were so determined and up for a fight
And fight you did with all your might

You were so determined to stay here as long as you could
Some days we laughed so hard, some days were good
Some days were really difficult; thank God you had excellent care
We watched you getting thinner and then you lost your hair