Philip Donnicsen, 62, from Sheffield worked in the steel industry before being diagnosed with depression. He tells Maryam Qaiser how he survives on sickness benefit.
For quite a few years I was doing labourer jobs in the steel industry. It was going well but I became ill and was diagnosed with depression.
I had to leave my job and go on medication. Leaving work was a huge thing. I felt very lonely.
I was used to having a proper wage but now I survive on sick pay.
I've got £100 a week, I just have enough to get by.
I come to a social centre to get me out of the house. I am known for playing snooker here and I have won many medals and that makes me feel a bit better. I have made quite a few friends too.
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We are retracing the journey George Orwell made in his book, The Road to Wigan Pier , to share your stories of working and unemployed poverty.
They'll appear in a regular series in the Daily Mirror newspaper and here, on our special anniversary website .
