Advice Needed for a 19 Year Old With Nothing

tesuhoha

Right folks, I know you are a helpful lot. This is not strictly, strictly DFW but my son's friend who I have mentioned before on the Forums has been living in a Council hostel as he was in care up to the age of 16. The Council have now given him a one bedroom flat and they want him out of the hostel by the weekend.

I have told him that he must get the power on by today but he is floundering and disorganised. I am going to help him move his stuff on Sunday but he only has a tv and a coffee table. TBC

tesuhoha

He is going to apply for some emergency money today as he doesnt even have a bed or anything really. I am just wondering if you can advise on what help he might be eligible for. He says 'they' were supposed to be helping me but they say I wasnt in when they called but I was.' I finish work today so will be able to taxi him around next week as he doesnt have any money. I am also wondering, what is Freecycle? I've heard you mention it on here.

If you can tell me and have any other suggestions they will be very welcome. I have to go to work now but I will look at your replies later. This is going to be my do good thing this Christmas so I am going to do my best to help him set up home.

JoolzS

I'm sorry that I can't really help in any way, but I just wanted to post to thank you for what you are doing for this young man. An ex of mine was in a very similar situation and I was horrified that he was just chucked out into the world with no idea about how to deal with anything. Your son's friend is very lucky to have you. Please do your best for him, but don't beat yourself up if your best isn't "good enough".

Julie

sophiesmum_2

He may be eligible for crisis loan or grant from DHSS for help with furniture/cooker etc. You cn also try freecycle - you will need to find your locl branch- google online.
It is usually good manners to offer something on freecycle before requesting help but in the circumstnces people may still offer him stuff - worth a try.
Also see if any of your local churches/salvation army have a used furniture depot or scheme for helping people with nothing - ours does.
Has he asked for advice from connexions -sure they could give him some pointers.
Good Luck.

mollymunchkin

Here in Wales we have a local charity that help people out with donated furniture etc. Try Googling to see if there is a similar scheme in your area. Good luck

Burlesque_Babe

Freecycle is a network of local groups on Yahoo where you put up anything offered and then anything wanted. My group says you have to put up an 'offered' before a 'wanted' but if you email the moderator with the situation maybe they will be ok about it.

Bless him, 19 and a week before Christmas. Where abouts in the country is he? Maybe some DFW'ers might have the basics they can help with - even things like knives, forks, old bedding. Most of us have plenty of 'stuff' lying around we could help with.

Nigella_2

Ask your local social services for any free or discounted schemes.

When I got my first Flat I had some furniture for minimal pounds and delivered.

There are many recycle/restore services around.

tesuhoha

Thank you all.

He has left me a note to say he's going to look at furniture because he's going to be given a grant. Also the hostel are going to let him have the mattress and bedframe from his room. He will need a washing machine, I don't know if he's even considered that. That is why I was wondering about Freecycle.

I am going to buy him a housewarming present. Probably a nice warm duvet. I think they are quite cheap in Asda.

custardy

take heart,i was there once
had a mattress on the floor,a kettle and a toaster
i takes time but he will get there in the end

Horace

tesuhoha wrote: »

Thank you all.

He has left me a note to say he's going to look at furniture because he's going to be given a grant. Also the hostel are going to let him have the mattress and bedframe from his room. He will need a washing machine, I don't know if he's even considered that. That is why I was wondering about Freecycle.

I am going to buy him a housewarming present. Probably a nice warm duvet. I think they are quite cheap in Asda.

With my local freecycle you have to offer something first but again if you contact the moderator and explain it is likely that they will allow you to put up a wanted request.

You can get all sorts of stuff, I have seen requests for anything from cookers to washing machines. However, it may make sense and save him a little money if he could hand wash his stuff and hang it out to dry rather than buying a washing machine straightaway. Folks offer all kinds of things on freecycle so he may even be able to pick up pots n pans etc.

Woolies is a good place at the mo to buy cheap saucepans and the like so it may be worth popping in there.

HTH and good luck.

RAS

Hi

There are recyled furniture stoores and free cyle. Will be back.