A Mother's Job: From Benefits Street to the Houses of Parliament: One Woman's Fight For Her Tragic Daughter

The story of Jodey Whiting, who was stopped from receiving benefits despite having health problems and needing daily care, and how her mother Joy Dove took on the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) system to win justice for her daughter. Joy reveals how she struggled to raise her family on the Benefits Street estate in Stockton-on-Tees, and how Jodey developed health problems that required her to be her unofficial carer. Jodey left farewell notes warning that her youngest son, Cory, was particularly vulnerable, and tragically, he died from a drug overdose in 2020. Joy launched the Justice For Jodey campaign to hold the DWP to account and prevent other tragedies, and her story was discussed in Parliament and the High Court.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Mirror Books

A Mother's Job is the story of how Jodey's mother, Joy Dove, 67, took on the system and won justice for her daughter. A former cleaner and shop worker, she is intimidated by nothing and no one. Joy reveals how she struggled to raise her family, as a single mother, living on the now notorious Benefits Street estate in Stockton-on-Tees. Of how Jodey, her middle daughter, developed problems including curvature of the spine, a brain cyst, and bipolar and personality disorders, and how, as her health deteriorated, Joy became her unofficial carer, visiting several times a day. Jodey left farewell notes following her suicide, warning that her youngest son, Cory, a twin, was particularly vulnerable. Tragically, her premonition was realized when, unable to cope with his grief, he died from a drug overdose, aged 19, in May 2020. Joy felt that the DWP had stolen two members from her family. An inquiry after Jodey's death found that the DWP had failed to follow its own safeguarding practice.

Despite suffering from major health problems and needing daily care, the powers-that-be callously halted benefit payments for the mum-of-nine. While waiting for her appeal, and with no money coming in, Jodey killed herself, aged just 42. Another DWP letter pronouncing her fit to work was sent to her home three days after her tragic death.

A Mother's Job is the story of how Jodey's mum Joy Dove, 67, took on the system - and won justice for her daughter. A former cleaner and shop worker, she is intimidated by nothing and no one. Joy reveals how she struggled to raise her family, as a single mother, living on the now notorious: Benefits Street estate in Stockton-on-Tees. Of how Jodey, her middle daughter, developed problems including curvature of the spine, a brain cyst, and bipolar and personality disorders, and how, as her health deteriorated, Joy became her unofficial carer, visiting several times a day. Jodey left farewell notes following her suicide, warning that her youngest son, Cory, a twin, was particularly vulnerable. Tragically, her premonition was realized when, unable to cope with his grief, he died from a drug overdose, aged 19, in May 2020. Joy felt that the DWP had stolen two members from her family.

An inquiry after Jodey's death found that the DWP had failed to follow its own safeguarding practice. It issued a damning report, concluding that the department had failed to protect Jodey and her family from harm. The report also highlighted the systemic issues within the DWP, including a lack of training and support for staff, and a culture of fear and bullying that prevented employees from speaking out.

Joy Dove's fight for justice has not been without its challenges. She has faced opposition from the DWP, which has refused to acknowledge its mistakes and has tried to silence her. However, Joy has refused to be intimidated, and has continued to speak out about her daughter's case and the broader issues surrounding benefits and social welfare.

Joy's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the face of adversity. It is a story of love, courage, and determination, and of how one mother's determination to seek justice for her daughter has led to a change in the system that has saved countless other families from similar tragedies.

In conclusion, A Mother's Job is a powerful and emotional story that highlights the devastating consequences of government policies and the need for change. It is a story of love, courage, and determination, and of how one mother's determination to seek justice for her daughter has led to a change in the system that has saved countless other families from similar tragedies. We must continue to fight for the rights of those who are most vulnerable, and to hold the government accountable for its actions.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915306159