// nobody is really in charge of their circumstances... some people do in fact need help (in fact most of us will at some point!) and there's no shame in that //
I agree with this sentiment and after yesterday, relate to it wholeheartedly.
A young lady (early twenties) who is supported by the welfare system helps out at the ageUK daycentre 5-1/2 hours a day, 5 days a week.
I was asked to assist her in a game of 'Snakes and Ladders.' This activity was to include two elderly service users.
It became clear within seconds, the young lady struggled badly counting numbers above ten. Despite countless efforts by myself
and one of the service users, she floundered everytime the die was rolled.
Not knowing whether to move the counter left or right along the horizontals that make up the gameboard.
Her patent weakness in arithmetic will be forever, a severe disadvantage when applying for a job. I am told she has failed at least dozen times this year to secure a position in the workplace.
To the young lady's credit; she is caring, considerate, attentive (perhaps overly), kind, willing, good teamplayer and to my mind, cut out to work in the social/care environment.
Since her learning is not just restricted to the challenges of arithmetic. I feel, sadly, she'll always need the safety net of the welfare system. Therefore a permanent recipient of its benefits.
Realising her special needs, I for one, do not begrudge her one single penny of whatever her entitlement.