Heartbreaking LBC call: London man describes benefit poverty

IF YOU think you’ve got it tough because you can’t rustle enough money together for your flat white the day before payday, you need to listen to this guy.

IF YOU think you’ve got it tough because you can’t rustle enough money together for your flat white the day before payday, you need to listen to this guy.

A London man known as Mike may change everything you think about living on benefits and what it really means to struggle.

The man, known as Mike from New Cross, called London-based national talk and phone-in radio station LBC to reveal how he’s desperate to find work and how some days he doesn’t even have money to eat.

Mike told presenter James O’Brien that he was calling to point out being poor could happen to anyone.

“I had a job and I lost my job through redundancy,” he told the station.

“And you try and survive and the we lost our flat and then the marriage broke down.”

Mike then breaks down on radio and explains the grim reality for someone who has lost everything.

“I ended up living in a tiny room ... the money you get just don’t cover what you need and you have to go to food banks ... and sometimes I’m living off a tin of spaghetti a day,” he said.

Mike then reveals how he’s desperately trying to look for work and being on benefits is no walk on easy street.

“You can’t do it, it gets harder and harder,” he said.

“The government don’t help you at all, you don’t know what you going to do, and going to eat. “So don’t tell me I’m taking the p*** cause I aint.”

The presenter says he’s not judging him but that some people in society may judge him and others in his situation due to certain life choices.

Mike told O’Brien he wasn’t looking for sympathy or money but wanted to let people out there know things didn’t always turn out for everyone.

O’Brien adds that some think the benefits system is adequate but Mike said he doesn’t even have a TV and that buying batteries for his radio was an extravagance.

He then said he has even been to the supermarket bins to eat food which have been thrown away.

“So don’t tell me it’s adequate,” Mike said.

Mike’s call left the presenter speechless who said he didn’t know what they could do for him.

“Look at me, I’m a 35-year-old man bawling my eyes out on a phone call in show,” Mike said, adding he was desperate for someone to give him a break.

The presenter asks if he can send him a few quid but Mike said he won’t take money.

Mike’s story sparked a raft of offers from the Twittersphere of people wanting to help him and has raised questions about the adequacy of welfare benefits.

Tears streaming down my face listening to this on @mrjamesob from earlier http://t.co/ygEbrGGyMs Praying Mike gets the break he deserves.

— Heather Allen (@allenheather) December 8, 2014

This is absolutely heart breaking @LBC. Mike wherever you are, I hope your luck changes buddy. Good on you @mrjamesob http://t.co/RpDkYdjLBs

— Kenny Mach (@kenny_mach) December 8, 2014

Stories like Mike's on @lbc aren't rare, really glad this topic is getting airtime #poverty #foodbanks http://t.co/B4l8hZMSKD

— Isobel Bandurek (@izzybandurek) December 8, 2014

@mrjamesob That phone call nearly had me in tears. Don't want to patronise Mike, but is there anything we can do to help? #LBC #HelpMike

— Bella Gowrie (@_Bellarrr) December 8, 2014

Crying rivers for Mike, a man I've never met. EVERY voter MUST listen to this! WAKE UP! #Cameronmustgo #Osbornemustgo http://t.co/IDAFR0RqQZ

— Angela (@tealtastic) December 8, 2014

@mrjamesob is there anyway I can give some money to your caller, Mike. It's not charity - I just want to help him out @LBC

— Beckie (@messybeckie) December 8, 2014

I hope @mrjamesob @lbc have clipped that heartbreaking call from Mike. Those who think food banks are for the feckless need to listen to it.

— Shortcrust Pie (@shortcrustpie) December 8, 2014