During the recession, followed by a recession, and another recession, many friends of mine and members of my family lost their jobs, those that didn't saw a massive reduction in their incomes. there were also men who, faced with the fear of job losses, took their own lives.

These people worked in the arts and public sector services, where the cuts went deep: the majority worked in social services.

I was lucky during this time because I did hold onto my job during a very difficult time for small businesses, even if my income dipped as the cost of living rose. I was very fortunate that my employer held on tight and kept people in work; I'm not sure I would have been able to succeed in this. I fully respect that he was able to achieve this for so long. Those that run small business deserve a medal – they have the lives of others in their hands.

We might be coming out of a recession but the ripples of it can still be felt - individuals have their own personal economic recovery to deal with: this goes far further the than homeless, unemployed, sick and low-income but also inches into average income families who are finding it hard to 'keep things going' because of the rise in living costs.