Our worst fears about the impact of Universal Credit cut are coming true

Lara, a new guest, is completing our registration process. Lara has learning disabilities, so her support worker, Sam, is with her to help complete the necessary form. We go through the usual questions—some basic details, plus a conversation around reasons for needing our help (enabling us to identify which other support services might be needed).

At the end of the registration conversation, we move onto Lara’s food order for the week and Sam, the support worker, speaks: “Excuse me, would you mind…would it be possible if I could have some food too?”

She starts to cry. “I’m really struggling at the moment. I just don’t have enough to get by.” And of course, we register Sam too, and give her food for the week.

Sadly, finding support workers need help too is not an uncommon story. In recent months a …