mutual aid for disabled queer student in crisis

hello everyone just wanted to be real for a moment

this time of year is always hard and i’m really struggling to figure out how i’ll cover my accommodation over the summer. i’m disabled and get pip, but 290 a month is barely a third of what i need to cover food and living costs, never mind rent.

i’ve been told i’m not fit to work, but at this point i’m looking into anything i can to stay in my flat – it suits my access needs and i really don’t want to be forced out of it, and leave behind everything i’ve built here in manchester. i really care about the community i’ve been a part of in this city, northern nasties is my life and manchester has shaped so much of who i am.

as i am a student i can’t get any support from universal credit either, as they’ve closed my claim, which has made it even harder to stay afloat while trying to figure out my next steps.

doing makeup for my favourite creatives has shaped the start of my journey and made me believe my dream job might actually be possible, but because i don’t have formal qualifications and i’m still building a portfolio i often have to work for free. most of the time, whatever money i do get ends up going towards travel food and buying my own makeup supplies.

creative work like makeup is never a reliable source of income and although it contributes towards my university degree, it isn’t the same as a regular job – it doesn’t pay much, but it also demands a lot less physically mentally and emotionally. the DWP recognised this, and this is why i am currently classed as unfit for work despite being able to do this type of work. unfortunately, my creative work currently isn’t enough to help me meet my basic needs.

even though i know it will be debilitating, working is a risk i have to consider now. i’ve worked in bars kitchens and events before, and i know i shouldn’t put my body through this again but i cannot leave manchester and i’m willing to do what i have to to stay.

i need to find a way to cover rent for both july and august, and even if i do manage to get a job i honestly don’t know how i’ll be able to make enough money in time. the pressure of this is really overwhelming right now.

i’ve always put my all into representing and uplifting the working class and i’ve worked so hard to build something here. it would be a shame to see that taken from me, by the same systemic injustices that affect my community.

p.s: if you know of any paid work gigs or jobs going please let me know, and if i’ve ever helped you in any way please consider reposting this. it would mean the world to me. thank you so much for reading