Letting off steam - didn't know where to put this.

rozmister

http://www.trusselltrust.org/ - this is an organisation that offers food parcels in some parts of the region.

The other place to put out feelers is the Salvation Army. They organise some in my area and if they don't they'll know who does! You could just phone them up and ask them they'll always go out of their way to help you, lovely people.

Are you sure you're paying back the right level of benefit loan? If you are on a very low income they can only take a teeny tiny bit I think. The best people to advise you on this is the CAB who can also help you do a SOA which lays out how much you earn and can be given to people hassling you (outstanding utility bills, debts, etc) to get them to back off a bit as it shows exactly how much or little you have to offer.

Fizzpop

The milk and more is run by local milk men so if you specify on your order to have it put by your back door instead then they will usually accomodate you

My milk man leaves our things by the back door so they don get nicked as like you our front door opns on to the main street x

djbum_syd

Thank you for that link rozmister I will check that out.

I have £5 a week taking off of the benefits currently, I just assumed that was normal regarding the whole "what the government say I can live on" bit that the letters always say.
But, yes, I think a trip to CAB is in order for me!

That would be good if the milkman can do that, would help a lot. Just the issue of paying the bill though when it comes time. Lol.

freda

Go to your CAB tomorrow and tell them that you cannot afford any food to feed you or your daughter. They must know of hardship funds etc.

The Sally Army is fantastic. You don't have to be at all religious (I'm not) but in our area they do at least 2 lunches per week for people who are finding things tough. They cook one of them during the toddler group I go to, it smells soooooo nice! I think they also do food parcels etc.

Do you have any family who would help? Friends?

Do the milk&more thing - even if it gets nicked, you've not lost anything and you've potentially got £10 food.

In the longer run, look closely at your finances and whether you can afford to be studying instead of working at the moment. When your daughter is older and at school, you will be in a much better position to have the time to study.

If you are commited to studying, you need to prioritise things. I wouldn't prioritise contents insurance and internet above feeding myself and my family, for example. Its ok having a couple of tough months but if you are planning ahead, you need to think about what you really want and need.

djbum_syd

I completely get where you are coming from freda on the prioritising bit.
I'm 23 and felt I needed to do something with my life after being made redundant whilst pregnant and try to make a better future for my daughter. Now I'm not so sure I'm even giving her a decent right now.

I'm job-hunting atm, and if I get offered something I will leave college with no hesitation - even though quitting college isn't what I want. But then, have the same issues with childcare as now - still have to fork out for it.

I can't cancel my contents insurance - break-ins are high in my area, and I've been broken into twice already. I need the security there that if it happens again then I have some cover. Internet is needed for college work (research, etc) as the books available in college and local library aren't up to much (course is relatively new so college doesn't have full resources available) and I can't use college internet as that means spending more money on childcare so I can actually go and use the library computers...
Just wonder why I bother sometimes. Lol.

I don't speak with my family as we all had a huge falling-out, so stuck there.

Amanda65

If you want to PM me with your work history (and your ex-partners as some charities will support dependents i.e your daughter) then I'll be happy to point you towards any I think may help

mwa

Awww big hugs

Is there a job you could do in your spare time (if you have any) which accommodates taking your daughter with you? I have recently started doing private cleaning for a neighbour and take my 2 young kids, I put up a travel cot in her living room (with her permission) and they are OK for an hour or two watching TV and playing with toys/books.

minimoneysaver

What area are you in OP? Maybe one of us will know of a local charity that can help you. x

djbum_syd

I could definitely have a go at finding work where my daughter can come with me. It's definitely an option - and can't believe I never thought of it! Thank you.

minimoneysaver, I live in Swindon (says it all really. :P Haha.)

Just want to say thank you to everybody for your comments, advice, help, etc. tonight. It really means a lot to me. xx

POPPYOSCAR

So sorry to hear of your situation.

Can you not turn to your mum? I know you say you have had a big fall out with family but if I were your mum I would put that aside especially for my grand-daughters sake.

You may get a better reception than you think.