Tracee, I don't smoke, I don't drink and I work my arse off just to make ends meet. I am entitled to no relief from any kind of tax breaks and I have to pay full price for everything (prescriptions, gym membership etc). I rarely require aid from my local NHS and I have worked since I was 14 and paid my NHS all that time. Whilst I don't feel like I am 'entitled' to free SW vouchers, I am going through a tough time financially and without my vouchers I wouldn't be able to attend. I have tried going it alone before but I can't stay on track without the group session each week.
I am not a sponger, I never have been. I do have an issue with people who 'earn' more than I do by sitting on their backsides not even attempting to get a job and they get free prescriptions, discounts on everything and, in some cases, free gym membership!
Do I feel bad about the NHS paying £40 for me to attend SW for 12 weeks? No, because I pay more to them than that and I would rather my contributions go to those helping themselves than to fund someone who wont
Every week he buys about 10 packs of HiFi bars for his kids (not cheap snacks for kids!)
I get nothing from the 'system' while some people get it all handed to them on a plate. I had to fight for my vouchers. I know I shouldn't look at what others have but sometimes it makes me mad.
I live in Bristol, near Easton... I'm on my third lot of GP vouchers. My docs seem happy to keep giving them to me as long as I am making good progress.My Mum told me that a couple of ladies at her SW class are having their fees paid for by vouchers from the GP.
I was wondering if anyone else here uses them and if there is some criteria the docs use, like over a certain weight. I have at least 7 stone to lose but have been put off going back to SW because of the cost.
I'm in the Bristol area if its done geographically.
I didn't know you were in Bristol too! you aren't far from me! I am lucky that I am just over the South Glos border as SG don't do the vouchers but Bristol doI live in Bristol, near Easton... I'm on my third lot of GP vouchers. My docs seem happy to keep giving them to me as long as I am making good progress.
I live right next to St George's ParkI didn't know you were in Bristol too! you aren't far from me! I am lucky that I am just over the South Glos border as SG don't do the vouchers but Bristol do