Hi, if you're reading this you probably know me fairly well, and I'm ashamed it's come to this. I'm including a letter I sent to my member of parliament to ask for help as it sums up my situation as best as I can.

"Hello

My name is Samantha Key and I am a 33 year old autistic woman living in Wallasey.

I have never had a normal life. I have been a "shut in" and agoraphobic since dropping out of university in 2009, when I could not cope with the environment or people.

I do not meet people, I struggle with communicating, I do not visit places. My only friends are formed online. I cannot go to my local shops or have a cup of coffee without significant support from family or a careworker. Until recently I avoided getting benefits or government assistance out of shame and fear that I would need to go to somewhere and be unable to communicate to someone and be insulted or in danger as I have been before.

I have been solely dependant on the people who care about me, namely my sister and my ex-partner.

I live with my ex partner and she is now wanting to start a new relationship with another woman properly and that means untangling our lives.

I have been seeking medical support for 5 years now, going through various therapies and being medicated for my intense anxiety. I also received my autism diagnosis this year. In February I applied for PIP as I knew I would not survive if things continued as they were. I was rejected, and so I appealed for mandatory reconsideration, where I was rejected again.

I am now waiting for appeal, and I am losing hope. I do not know what to do any more. I pay out of pocket for a carer and my sister visits as often as she can, but she is a single mother to an autistic child herself, and cannot care for me. [Redacted]. My GP has written a letter of support but I don't know if it will be enough.

Communication is so difficult for me and my life seems dependant on persuading people to believe I am not lying. I do not have any pride left. I just want to survive and I am scared that I won't.

With gratitude,

Samantha"

I do not expect any of you to help financially. Your love and support has been so much of why I am still here. I am so grateful for everyone who checks in with me, asks me how I am, listens to me, sends me potential clients, buys from me or supports me on patreon etc. All these things make a big difference and I am doing my best with every tool available to me.

I hope to pay back or pay forward all your kindness and support some day.

Thank you