Need some good ideas urgently!

JailhouseBabe

I really don't think it'll matter that you spent the money as a deposit on the house. Your situation is what it is, you needed somewhere to live and that was the right choice at the time. You are supposed to use your loans/grants to live on anyway.
The hardship fund is there to help any student who would otherwise have to give up their studies, and they're really not there to judge you. Be completely honest with them, you sound as though you've already worked out what you owe and what you need to get by on.
And bring tissues, it can get quite emotional when you're forced to sit with a complete stranger and admit your perceived failings. :embarasse

missk_ensington

Thanks JailhouseBabe, I feel a little more confident having read the thread at the top of this page. RobHammond the OP started by saying they have to use up the money or pay it back to government so they're desperate to give it out. The analogy was like the civil service using their budget on paperclips as not to show they dont need it and not get as much the following year. I feel much better knowing my stupidity isn't robbing someone else of a grant!

shetitasatic

Have you thought of applying to DIY SOS? At the end of the last prog. they were asking for new volunteers! Might sound daft but it's worth a try - I'm sure you're a more worthwhile cause than some they get!!
Best of luck - I was in your position 20 yrs ago. my kids were older but the first winter we slept with curtains and coats on the beds it was so cold and chopped down branches to burn on the open fire!! You can do it!!
(Edit - I don't mean cut down trees!!)

Penny-Pincher!!

Dont forget that they shouldnt take DLA into consideration when working out your monthly income. Tell them how your condition makes you feel and how difficult your finding the course etc etc and hopefully they should help you to at least get through your course.
I am doing my degree through the OU and they have bent over backwards to help me as Im disabled and find it much harder than a normal student.
Meal plan is a great way of cutting back and buying just what you need. Some weeks if I really want to cut back, we look for the meat/fish item in the reduced section then base our meal around that IYSWIM. If you havent got a freezer...get one as you can buy reduced items and freeze or make a bigger batch of something and freeze the excess.

Good Luck
PP
xx

missk_ensington

DIY SOS I might look into that? Anyone know what channel its on!? If they dont take DLA into account I should be fine, only I cant prove the money I paid a carer cos I paid her cash (where I live no one will work unless its for cash!) presumably she was on benefit or didn't want it to affect her tax cred. I'm off to an appointment at 2 for a hardship grant, I'll let you know how I get along!

JailhouseBabe

Hi missk, good luck for your meeting x

Here's a link for DIY SOS:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/tv_and_radio/diysos_form.shtml

You can fill out the application online.

sidwyn

DIY SOS did our kitchen in 2000 - it was fantastic, the work was top standard, as were the units, appliances etc. It immediately raised the value of our house by £36,000!!!

Unfortunately we no longer live there, I really miss that kitchen!

elona

Tell them if you are picked that there are a lot of people on this forum that will watch it - that should boost their viewing figures!

Do not want to be mean but you have a much better fiture to look forward to than he does and he was an idiot to throw away the future you could have had together.

Once you are settled and managing - do not be surprised if he comes back - or tries to! Please do not fall for it if he does.

wishingonastar_3

i can't think of much to add to the comments made above, but i've been where you are now, though i was left without the house, just with the child!!!!! and its rough as anything, but your making lots of positive steps.
might be an idea to try and find a local mums and toddler group you can visit in and around your studies/work, they tend to be a good way to meet people of a similar age to yourself, and the tips and advice from others is great, i found it really useful, also, with regards to food, take a week at a time, and keep all shopping reciepts to see where your money is going, and where you can cut back, (sorry if these have been mentioned, i've not had time to read the whole thread), i'd assume you've made an inventory of what food you have in, and meal plan around this, then as its getting low look at what you have left and what can be created with it,

take one day at a time, it'll all come right in the end,

just wanted to wish you all the best,

love

woas.

MrsTinks

I am sure there is enough advice on here for now to get you going on reducing food bills... now make sure you get yoru butt over to the Debt Free Wanna be forum for some help on making savigns elsewhere they're a good bunch and it's amazing what savings they can spot that you mght not have realised were there