Any ideas

kittycatface

I don't know if this is the right forum for this but I would really like some MSErs advice this weekend.

I come across people in very difficult circumstances, one woman is working 16 plus hrs, gets WT credit, CB and CTcredit but has had to flee her partner and move into private rented house. She has got a loan from CU and is ready to go she just needs £100 for second hand furniture before thursday.

I would normally help apply for grants but these wont come through in time, cos shes working shes not eligible for community care grant etc, she gets paid in 2 wk but the ymca wont let her delay payment for bed for kid. Weve tried freecycle nothing going atm but will keep checking.

Any ideas welcome or please move this thread to appropriate place mods

tina_malteser

How old is the Kid, Tell her to speak to womens aid xx

Eliza_2

Could she borrow an airbed or similar for the child? Mattress or sofa cushions on the floor? Children love that kind of thing - bit like camping out!

rogerblack

Eliza wrote: »

Could she borrow an airbed or similar for the child? Mattress or sofa cushions on the floor? Children love that kind of thing - bit like camping out!

Argos airbeds start at 5 pounds.
There is even this sort of thing http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3675267.htm - though I question its value over the 5 pound one.
The integral cover and pillow to a small degree, I suppose.

freyanneke_2

You said you tried freecycle. A lot of people are kind enough to offer things for free if they know there is a need, so be specific and tell them she is starting with nothing. Don't put in any personal details and to protect her identity you could let it all go through you or someone else. In some areas health visitors or social workers can make a referral for a turntable, recycle centre or charities who have a stock of essentials. Sometimes they even pay the fee if you are really stuck. Over time auctions can be helpful, but they do take up a lot of time.
In Devon there is a Devon Pound, is there a system similar to that in your area? They could be used to apply for an affordable loan. They pay out quite quickly and are not restricted to who they loan to like the community care grant. Good luck!

paddedjohn

local councils normally have connection with furniture warehouses specifically set up to help the homeless/starter-uppers.