Coronation Street actress Kym Lomas has opened up about her life as a ‘struggling single mum’ in the new Who Benefits? campaign launched last week.
The campaign, which supports the millions of people currently on benefits carried out a poll which that an overwhelming 81% of people who agreed that ‘benefits are an important safety net to support people when they need help’.
However, despite public support, more than 27% of those who currently claim benefits admit that they have hidden this because of the taboo attached to the benefit system.
Mrs Lomas urged people not to judge those on benefits, stating how important the support from the government was for her and her two kids before her music and acting career took off.
She said: “Those early family days were a really tough time for me. And there are millions of families up and down the country who are going through the same thing today.”
Who Benefits? argued that the overwhelming majority of those on benefits really need the support, yet too often their voices are ignored, misrepresented or at worst they are blamed for their situations.
Rob Jackson, Area Director for the Children’s Society in Manchester, said: “At a time when families up and down the country are feeling the squeeze, it is important – now more than ever – that society supports those in need.
“The overwhelming majority of people who get benefits really need them; whether they are working, looking for work or unable to work.”
The campaign is asking people to share their stories through www.whobenefits.org.uk in order to help those struggling with their dependency on benefits.
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