Sheffield families’ fears over benefits changes after election

Catie Latus, 37, who suffers from a number of long-term health conditions, is one of those who is worried.

She has fibromyalgia – which causes pain throughout her body – as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, migraines and postural tachycardia syndrome, which can trigger sudden fainting.

Catie, who is not able to do a full-time job, receives a PIP of just over £400 a month and describes it as a “lifeline for people”.

It allows her and others “to do more and basically have some form of a life”, she says.

Catie explains that even now she does not get out much and, when she does, she knows it has to be “really worth it”.

She loves to go to comedy gigs and comic book conventions, but they come at a price.

“It has an extreme knock-on effect on my physical health. It drains me and my pain levels go through the roof,” Catie says.

Massages provide some relief to Catie’s pain, but are not available on the NHS.

Socialising with friends also helps to take her mind off her symptoms, but even that carries a financial cost.

Due to her mobility problems, Catie uses taxis to get around. A trip to see her best friend, who lives on the opposite side of Sheffield, means a return fare of about £30.

“If it wasn’t for my PIP, I literally wouldn’t be able to do anything,” she says.