Public servant: my letter to the public The series that gives a voice to staff in public services hit by mounting cuts and rising demand. If you work in public service and would like to write an article for the series, contact jane.dudman@theguardian.com
Kevin McCloud is right: planners like me are hugely undervalued Ben Rayner It was great to hear the Grand Designs presenter speak up for my vital, yet underfunded and unfairly maligned profession
We supported women with complex needs. What will they do now? Lisa Dando Funding cuts have forced the closure of our counselling service for women with histories of abuse, poverty and addiction
For firefighters like me, the hidden dangers are often the most hazardous Les Skarratts Our union is battling to highlight the risk of heart attacks, cancer and stress, caused by heat and contaminants from fires
I've worked with young people for 50 years. Here's my advice for Amber Rudd on knife crime Don Macdonald Austerity has destroyed the community projects that equip offenders and truants with new skills and a sense of purpose
Library cuts hurt us all, but they hit homeless people the hardest Anonymous I ran book groups in housing shelters that gave participants a voice. Now these vital services are being swept away
Civil servants work in a toxic environment where precious little gets done Anonymous Every criticism is a crisis, constant political reshuffles mean we have to start work on policies all over again - and fear is everywhere.
Vulnerable people won't get a fair hearing without support in court Esther Rumble The lack of funding for registered intermediaries means they can help only a tiny percentage through the justice system
Video evidence is taking over – and damaging the credibility of our courts Anonymous The technology has become widespread in the UK. But it is notoriously unreliable – and the testimonies can be misleading
My charity is facing closure. What will happen to the women we support? Sujata Pant This week was all about championing women but let’s not forget those who are marginalised and don’t have a voice
It's the library users without gloves I worry about Ian Anstice In this cold weather, public libraries are warm and open to all. The idea of them no longer being here gives me the shivers
As a female firefighter, I've had to tackle sexism as well as fires Keeley Foster When I joined the fire service, the lack of facilities for women was a shock. That’s changed, but too many girls still see firefighting as a man’s job
A private force isn't the answer to the UK policing crisis. Better funding is Calum Macleod Like many officers, I do not want a two-tier system. Everyone deserves a good service – not just those who can afford it
The probation service is in meltdown: how will Worboys be supervised? Anonymous I’ve worked as a probation officer for more than a decade and my ability to do my job properly has been almost completely eroded
My suffragette great-grandma would be proud and cross at today's councils Gill Steward Women like me make up just a third of council chiefs – and the local authority gender pay gap persists. There’s still work to do
Go easy on HMRC staff. We're battling against Brexit chaos Vicky Johnson The decision to leave the EU has left us struggling under a vastly increased workload. So spare us a thought at this taxing time of year
I love my job as a prison psychologist. But it's time I was paid fairly Anonymous I go to parole board hearings and advise on whether violent and sexual offenders are suitable for release. It’s a huge responsibility but staff are poorly paid
My charity sees the toll of job losses on mental health - we struggle to meet demand Veronica Harnett I work in one of the poorest areas of the north east. At a time when we’re needed most, we’ve seen our funding cut by 60%
Driving home for Christmas may take a while, but we traffic officers will get you there Catherine Dent If you’re on the UK’s motorways, spare a thought for the workers who give up their Christmas festivities so you can get home safely to enjoy yours
I run a domestic abuse charity. Some staff don't even last a week Becky Rogerson My staff and I hear gruelling accounts of human cruelty and provide a safe space, but constant funding pressure means we may not be here in five years’ time
Library closures mean lonely people will be left out in the cold this Christmas time Jacqueline Widdowson For many people their local library is the place where they come to fill the gaps in their life. We librarians continue to be passionate and fight the good fight
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