I’m a girl called Jack.
Just Jack, not short for anything, and I’m a 25 year old single mother to a toddler, living in Southend.
.
.
I started to write this blog because of a front page Echo headline from a former Conservative Councillor that stated that ‘Druggies, Drunks And Single Mums’ were ‘Ruining Our TownI bristled at the accusation that my presence as a lone parent, specifically a female one, was somehow a blight on the community of Southend. I wrote an angry letter back, and I’m still writing. I’m often described as ‘an avid blogger’ ‘lively’ ‘fiery’ and ‘political’ – as well as a few other things that I’m too polite to print. Excuse the occasional curse word; I type furiously and honestly, which often means uncensored! This little blog was mentioned in the Independent and The Sunday People ran a double page special report just before Christmas on my £10 a week food shop.
The months of unemployment, job seeking, financial strain, selling everything I own to try to keep my home;personal rollercoaster of unemployment and associated difficulties are mixed here with local politics, and Council meetings, along with low-budget recipes, locally-taken photographs, and general musings.
From the young girl in high school who sang at Star for a Night….to where and what you are now – I am amazed and proud of your strength both physical and mental. I can say with certainty you inspire others xx
Hi Jack. Love your stuff. Keep up the good work and dont let the buggers ever get you down. Your life will turn out well, of that I have no doubt.
so,
a) do you work?
b) do you pay taxes ?
c) do you pay your own rent / mortgage ?
Bet the answer is:
a) Not legally / declared.
b) No way.
c) No, housing benefit / child benefit etc
a) Yes I work.
b) Apart from a period of unemployment from November 2011 – September 2012, yes I have always paid taxes.
c) Yes I pay my rent, and rent private accommodation.
I hope you didn’t actually bet on that, because you lost on all three counts.
Well said, Jack. It is unbelievable that there are people who really believe that anyone would want to be poor, on benefits and not work and that they think that people would actually opt for this in some way as an easy option. I am lucky. For now at least money is OK but who knows how long this will last as life is so unpredictable. I pay taxes and believe that this is necessary to ensure that society is a decent place for my kids to grow up in. I have three kids and as our whole family is vegetarian I just love your blog and have cooked many similar things myself on many occasions. I am lucky enough to be able to afford some luxuries for now but processed food is something that I try really hard to avoid as strongly believe that meat and processed foods are one the reasons that we have so many health problems (particularly cancer) in our society. I may be wrong but I am much happier to actually know what my kids are eating! Oh, and jam! Don’t forget jam. So much free fruit out there at the right time of year! Good luck with it all. I now have a big list of your recipies to try out!
If there’s one thing I hate about the internet it’s people who slag off others whilst not being prepared to give their real names. It’s just cowardice.
well said Ian and Jack chin up trolls belong under a bridge
Loved your inspiring article in the Evening Echo. Picked up a copy in Ambleside College Cafe.Very inspiring and real ‘grassroots’ understanding of life. I predict you are on the verge of a new Journalistic career, as well as giving Talks to Young Mums’groups and the like. Am going to photocopy your article and tell others about your website. Well done Jack!
I read an article about you in The Telegraph today. I believe that you have a good career in journalism (and related fields ) ahead of you. Well done for being perceptive, creative and determined. I don’t know which I am most impressed with – your cooking and budgetary skills or your awareness and writing skills. Anyway, you’ve made my day with your enterprise and I will read your blog whenever I get the time.
Jack of all trades – tip top.
Two words ‘go girl’. Saw you on tv this morning, very impressed with your outlook and attitude. I will be following your blogs from now on.
I also saw you on the news this morning. You are a real inspiration to other young people out there. Really love your ‘can do’ attitude. Looking forward to trying out your recipes even although i am not on a tight budget – they looked yummy!
Absolutely inspired by your feature on bbc Breakfast. I’m going to try your cooking for a week. You are great.
Same here.
I have been this broke when I was young growing up with my single parent Mum and not quite so, on recent occasions. I think you highlighting, through various medias, poverty in the UK is fantastic and I applaud you for taking the bit between your teeth and getting it out there!
New follower here!
With respect
Jonquil x
Wow- your T.V. interview moved me to tears – my ‘children’ are your age/generation and you are an inspiration – hope you (and your little boy) have a lovely life; we have tried the lentil burgers and they were wonderful.. Everything that goes around comes around – and you and many others of your generation are going back to ‘real’ cooking – well done. Debbie
Our children provide us with our strength and inspiration. Looks like you you have harnessed yours wisely. Well done and best wishes for your very bright future. Great blog- can’t wait to get started on the recipes.
I just wanted to say I think your blog and recipes in particular are brilliant! Money is always tight for me so I will definitely be trying out some of your recipes! I also happen to work in a supermarket so I am lucky in the way I will get 10% off as well! Thanks again, I think a lot of people in Britain especially could learn from you!
Please email me and I’ll give you my phone number. I live in Southend too and I’d really like to help you out with some weekly foodshopping. We could meet at sainsburys in Southend.
Sarah x