In the coastal town of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, the weight of financial strain is palpable. Shannon, a 27-year-old mother, embodies the struggle of many in this community. Her story is one of isolation and a constant battle with debt, a battle that has left her feeling trapped and unable to leave the house without the looming fear of accumulating more debt. This is a sentiment shared by many, as evidenced by the staggering statistics: in March 2026, 29.1% of people aged 16 to 65 in Great Yarmouth were on Universal Credit, compared to 18.4% for the county as a whole and 19.2% in England.
Shannon's story is not unique. She got into debt a decade ago, borrowing money to buy expensive boots for her job as a security guard. Her day-to-day life is a constant struggle, where the desire to avoid spending and incurring more debt leads to isolation and a sense of helplessness. She lacks the life skills around money and budgeting that could have been taught at school and by family, and this has led to a cycle of debt that is difficult to break. Shannon's situation is made worse by the need to prioritize her young son's extra needs, which further strains her already limited resources.
However, there is hope in the form of community support. Every week, debt adviser Teresa Tennant joins volunteers offering support and free community lunches at St Mary Magdalene Church in neighbouring Gorleston-on-Sea. These volunteers provide a vital service, offering a listening ear and practical help to those in crisis. Cathy Grey, 46, who came to the church's food bank when her debt became "too much", now encourages others to seek help. She understands the fear and uncertainty that comes with being in debt, but she also knows that there is a way out. "Don't be frightened to hold your hand up and say, 'Give me some help,'" she says. "Someone's going to point you in the right direction."
The work being done at St Mary Magdalene is crucial in building community resilience and breaking down isolation. Anna Price, the community lead, highlights the importance of having someone to help make sense of things and move forward in life. The cycles of generational dependence on benefits and the lack of skills to hold down a job are deeply concerning, but the introduction of a person in crisis to a debt adviser can be life-changing. It is like "picking somebody off the floor," she says, and this is the hope that many in the community are clinging to.
However, the underlying issue of poverty and the need for fundamental change within the benefits system cannot be ignored. Nic Lambert, another resident, highlights the devastating impact of having to prioritize certain expenses and the frustration of seeing her children miss out. The government's commitment to moving from a welfare state to a working state is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to protect children and keep them out of poverty. Until this happens, the cycle of debt and poverty will continue, and the hope for a better future will remain elusive for many.
In conclusion, the financial strain in Great Yarmouth is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in the community. While community support and government initiatives provide a glimmer of hope, the underlying issues of poverty and the need for systemic change must be addressed. Only then can the cycle of debt and poverty be broken, and the hope for a brighter future be realized for all.
