Good morning. It’s Isabella here. I report on all things social justice at The Big Issue and bring you Survival Guide each week, the newsletter exploring the human stories at the heart of the cost of living crisis. 

In today’s edition, I speak to Myles – a man who has been made to feel like a “failure” and is eating less because his benefits aren’t stretching far enough. 

He is far from alone, as harrowing new research from a leading mental health charity shows millions are feeling the impact of ongoing financial pressures. 

We also head to the libraries across the country providing a lifeline service by acting as warm spaces where people can find some relief from the cold. 

And read to the end of the newsletter for everything you need to know about upcoming cost of living and winter fuel payments… 

If you have a story to share, we want to listen. Get in touch at isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com or share your story here.

Myles's story: 'I feel like a failure'

Myles feels like a failure because he is struggling to afford the essentials he needs to live in the cost of living crisis. His mental health is worsening and his benefits are not stretching far enough.

“It’s frustrating because every time you go shopping, the basket is empty and you’re still paying more than you used to,” the 52-year-old says. “It means you’re eating less. And it makes you feel like a failure. It makes me feel like a failure because I would love to be in work. 

“I’d love to be doing stuff. But my mental health is not good enough. I’ve got physical health problems as well, which also reduces what I can do. And I’ve been out of work for so long, I doubt anyone would want to employ me now.”

I spoke to Myles after devastating research from Mind revealed 2.7 million people have considered taking their own life because of financial pressures. It is worse for people claiming universal credit, who are three times more likely to have had suicidal thoughts. 

Read Myles’s story. 

Get help if you need it. Call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org for useful resources and advice on coping.

Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6am. For information on managing money and your mental health, see Mind’s advice.

In case you missed it

Millions of Brits considering suicide due to cost of living crisis, report finds. Leading mental health charity Mind is warning the government that it must change the benefits system – or people are at risk of losing their lives. Here’s the story.

Rough sleeping in London hits record highs. More than 4,000 people were spotted rough sleeping in London between July and September as charities warn of a surge of refugees experiencing homelessness. Read about it.

Mum with human waste dripping down kitchen walls wins gruelling legal battle against landlord. Clarion housing association paid Dawn Page £8,000 after a 27-month ordeal over the shocking state of her social home. Get the story.

Councils plead with Jeremy Hunt for urgent cash boost. They want a £450m package over the next two years to deal with the growing temporary accommodation crisis. Read the story.

One in 10 councils face effective bankruptcy. The rising cost of placing children in care is pushing council budgets to breaking point. Here's the latest.

Key policies activists want to see at the heart of the King’s Speech. From increasing benefits to banning conversion therapy and rental reform, we asked campaigners what policies they want to see announced on 7 November. This is what they said.

In these constant waves of crisis, The Big Issue is needed more than ever. Our editor Paul McNamee shares his horror at the current levels of poverty in the UK – and why The Big Issue is so important. Read his thoughts.

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Inside the libraries providing warm spaces and a lifeline this winter

Libraries are now on the frontline of the cost of living crisis. Around 93% have committed to providing a warm space for people struggling to afford heating this winter. 

“It’s a safe, non-judgemental space, and it’s free,” Mandy Grimwood, from Gainsborough Community Library in Suffolk, says. “We’re already a community hub, so there’s no stigma attached to coming in. Anyone can access it no matter what.”

Heated to a toasty 21C in the winter months, Gainsborough library boasts a cut-price café, a pop-up fruit-and-vegetable stand, and ‘kindness rails’ for people to donate items of clothing.

Read the story from journalist Charlotte Elton.

Are you doing positive work to tackle poverty in the cost of living crisis? Do you know someone who should be celebrated? Let me know at isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com 

Saving those coins 

Cost of living payments started to hit bank accounts this week. These are £300 and paid to the millions of people on means-tested benefits in the UK. Here is everything you need to know about who is eligible, when you will be paid and how to report a missing payment. 

There will also be a winter fuel payment for pensioners in the colder months. This ranges between £250 and £600 and it is all tax-free. Find out how much you could get.