Benefits claims in the South West more than double during lockdown

The number of people claiming benefits in the region has more than doubled since lockdown began in March.

The new figures show there are now more than 120,000 people who've applied to schemes like Universal Credit, as families grapple with a loss of income and potential unemployment.

Joanne Hill is still trying to access all the government support she's entitled to. Her family have spent the last 12 weeks without an income after her husband's work as a building subcontractor stopped. He doesn't qualify for the furlough scheme.

"Families like ours are being forgotten about. People aren't helping. It feels like we've just been kicked to the curb. It doesn't matter who you phone, no one can give you a straight answer, and when you've got to look after children you need to know if there's more money round the corner," said Joanne.

Joanne is unable to work due to a chronic long term health condition, which has left her hospitalised on several occasions. She has four children at home and says she would have "gone under" if it wasn't for the help of a local foodbank.

Joanne receives benefits for her disability, working tax credits as well as vouchers for free school meals. But it's barely enough. Paying electricity bills and putting food on the table are now the priority.

"It makes you feel like a bit of a failure as a parent. It's like the rug's been ripped out from beneath you, and your whole way of living has gone."

Joanne is one of around 5,000 people who have turned to the Bristol North West foodbank in Avonmouth during lockdown. The head of the foodbank, Emma Murray, says this is the bleak reality of the coronavirus crisis.

"It's really devastating to find out these stories. We've found a few cases where people have simply not known where to go for help. We've had a few cases of people in their 80s effectively starving in their homes," said Emma.

Joanne insists she will cope whatever happens and is optimistic her husband will be back in work soon. But it's clear the true emotional and financial cost of this crisis is only just emerging.