A mother of three is "at breaking point" after being forced to care for six children in a cramped three-bedroom council house. Ewelina Ciuruk, 35, from Meir in Stoke-on-Trent, took in her sister's three children from Poland after her husband of 17 years returned to their homeland.
The overwhelming responsibility forced her to quit her eight-year job at Fuchs Lubricants. "I tried my best but I ended up having to leave because of all the stress and anxiety," she said. Social services acknowledged the impossible situation, telling her there was no chance she could work due to constant school calls and childcare demands.
Housing crisis deepens struggles
Ciuruk has applied for larger accommodation but faces bureaucratic silence. "I've sent emails asking for updates but I don't get any response," she said. The family of seven currently shares one bathroom, leading to constant complaints from all six children about the cramped conditions.
She sleeps in the living room with her youngest son while the other children share small bedrooms upstairs. "A lot of our things are in boxes at the moment because we don't have room to unpack them," she explained. Her fundraising appeal for a £2,600 replacement vehicle has raised only £430 after her nine-seater broke down.
Benefits system complications
Universal Credit issues compound her problems due to legal recognition gaps between UK and Polish systems. "Because I am the legal guardian of my sister's children, I can't be recognised as their foster parent - in Poland, you are recognised as both," she said. The conflict means she loses out on crucial financial support despite her full-time caring responsibilities.
Employers refuse to offer the flexibility she needs, creating an impossible employment situation. "They don't really want to take me on either because they can't offer the flexibility I need," she explained.
Council acknowledges crisis
Stoke-on-Trent City Council confirmed Ciuruk holds an active housing application in the highest priority banding. A spokesperson said: "There is however a critical shortage of available larger homes which means families like this will often be waiting for some time to be assisted if they are looking to be accommodated in social housing."
The council completed a viability assessment ruling it acceptable for the children to live with Ciuruk, but cannot grant fostering status as the placement decision was made in Poland. Officials promised to reach out to maximise the family's income and ensure they claim all entitled benefits.
Sources used: "Stoke-on-TrentLive", "Daily Record", "Birminghammail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
