Is there anywhere I can make a plea for help

[Deleted User]

Hi.., I've made a few posts about our upcoming eviction. As applying for social housing, we'll go into emergency housing initially but this could very easily be on the last day.

I am quite stressed and depressed, coping mechanisms a bit low. I have a 9 year old diagnosed with ASD and my older son and I have been for tests and it looks like they think both him and me have ASD, ADHD and 'Anxiety' in a neurological way (rather than worrying over where the pint of milk got to way). My older son was diagnosed with ASD when 11. The stresses of the last year in particular made me accept that maybe I have it too.., but lol, I got more than I expected (three labels instead of one).

I have no friends, I don't know anyone at all. I know a lot of people can't imagine that, but its how it is.

And I've got to move, without much money, with little notice. I can afford a man and a van, but storage costs for almost a houseful of furniture is going to be difficult. I live in Gravesend. I live on benefits I'm afraid. Few savings.

Does anyone know of a website where I can go and ask for help? Even getting a man with a van is going to be impossible with possibly an hours notice. I can pay for that or I can pay for storage, probably not both. I'm wondering if somehow I can find someone kind with a trailer or van who is prepared to make a few trips at little notice (oh dear it sounds bad).

I know it sounds like a long line of excuses, I'm 50 and unfortunatly have back problems and arthritis (not overweight) so getting stuff suddenly out of the house is going to be a real nightmare. I have cleared things up, packed about 20 boxes (small cause I can't lift bigger ones), got rid of 3/4 of my books (bit of a bookworm) and god knows how many clothes to charity shops.,but I'm at a point now where I just can't decide what to do anymore.

We've got two wardrobes (flat packed), four chest of drawers, 3 beds (good quality), 3 pcs and desks (essential we all use them to keep calm, I know most won't see that), 2 and 3 seater sofa, one of which I'm refurbishing so it can be slept on if needs be (probably end up in one bed flat), two half height cabinets of files (one can go), loads of kitchen stuff, a table that can go, small fridge freezer and a sideboard. There are quite a few tools in a shed which I will need eventually. Some of the stuff will go to wherever we end up but because I don't know what it will be, I don't know what will need to go into storage. If a weeny 1 bed flat, quite a lot.

I don't want to lose a house ful of furniture and have my LL taking me to court for day labour and skip hire (£250 a skip he says).

I can't afford to lose all my furniture, It might not be everyone's idea of luxury but its our stuff. And well, it won't be good for the kids sleeping on the floor with nothing familiar around them. Its unlikely to be acceptable for anyone to take (not that I want that happening).

I've no idea what storage will cost, but the big companies look very expensive.

I've got 3 bikes, I am going to try and sell them, wrong time of year to do it but no where to put them.

Sorry this post is all over the place, I've just been told the possession order has been granted (on 11th, not got it yet) and LL seems to be wanting to get me out asap. Was at Bailiffs today. No idea how long it will take him to get them at my door, but he went for accelerated possession re Possession Order so suspect it won't be long. I don't owe any arrears, he just wants the place back and I can't really afford it.

silvercar

I'm nowhere near Gravesend, so don't know exactly what is available in your area.

Round my way there are local facebook groups that people seem to post when in need of help - and get it. Also religious groups offer help without any requirement for you to belong to any religion.

I wish you all the best and hope that the final outcome is some secure long term housing for you.

[Deleted User]

Many thanks Silvercar.

Sorry to be such a dork, but how do I find this kind of facebook page? I've googled facebook Gravesend and not really getting anything useful.

I tend to neglect facebook (its a social site need I say more lol)

I'm sure I'm missing something blindingly obvious.

I might have found one site so far.., not sure how this works so will see.

PasturesNew

I believe that when you're evicted with an hour's notice or so, you're just taking your immediate needs in a bag with you. You then have time to make arrangements to make an appointment to go back some time in the next few days to remove all your stuff. So you'd have more time to arrange something better then.

Check that, of course, but I've seen quite a few on the telly from various bailiff types.

They just want possession of the property - and therefore to change the locks.... nobody expects you to immediately empty the house of all your big stuff.

silvercar

deannatrois wrote: »

Many thanks Silvercar.

Sorry to be such a dork, but how do I find this kind of facebook page? I've googled facebook Gravesend and not really getting anything useful.

I tend to neglect facebook (its a social site need I say more lol)

I'm sure I'm missing something blindingly obvious.

I might have found one site so far.., not sure how this works so will see.

Just searching facebook, I can see groups called:

Whats Happening In And Surrounding Areas of Gravesend And Dartford

Gravesend News .

GRAVESEND NEWS

Gravesend News.. The real one.

also lots of for sale in Gravesend groups.

You need to join a few (most of them are closed groups) to see what is being posted and whether they are suitable.

Saver-upper

I am sorry you are going through all this deannatrois.I only use Facebook for selling things,so I can help you a little bit there.

Go to facebook and simply search random things such as "Furniture for sale in Gravesend","house stuff buy and sell,xxxpostcode","White goods for sale","Second hand clothes/childrenswear/whatever you are looking for".After a few goes,suggestions of selling pages will come up.Sometimes you can post immediately,other groups you need to click on a link to join,and you wait (sometimes minutes,sometimes a few days) to be accepted-then you can post.

Good luck.

[Deleted User]

Thanks so much saverupper. Blindingly obvious like I thought. I just don't normally search on facebook lol. But will do that now.

I've only really got the bikes to sell unfortunately, but useful.

I've watched the same programmes., but my LL's are a bit difficult and the last thing I am going to want to do when highly stressed dealing with the kids is negotiating with them as to when they can be at the house to let me in (they've got a history of missing appointments). I believe I should get a letter from the Bailiffs saying approximately when they'll be around. Then its a case of will the council find me some where on the day, the day before or whatever, so I know what I am dealing with. The people you see on 'The Sheriffs Are Coming' either seem to be misinformed by the council so they think they have still time or totally overwhelmed. I am trying to prepare. (Sheriffs are the quicker higher cost people you get by referring case to High Court so i hope they won't be coming round as I will be paying for it, please don't let my LL's go to them). Bailiffs are supposed to give notice. Well, we will see what happens.

Getting too stressed. Again lol.

pmlindyloo

First thing Monday morning you need to get yourself to the council offices as they have a duty to store your furniture and personal possessions when you are homeless.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/homelessness/temporary_and_long-term_housing_offers_from_the_council/storage_for_personal_belongings

Do not be fobbed off. Ring Shelter and/ or social services ( because you have children) if you have any problems.

[Deleted User]

When I asked the council I was just told I'd be given a list of storage places. And of course in spite of asking twice more (via email), I never have been given this list.

But until I get the PO, and bailiff paperwork, council won't do a thing. Just hoping the court sends it to me this time (bit of a faff getting the Possession Claim Form three weeks ago). I expected the PO today.

Just seen a house on KentHomeChoice.., bit tatty but perfectly ok, nice long garden I could get to work on. You still bid on them though, just in case. Hard knowing I have only a D priority and so no chance. When they make a homelessness decision (which could take a while), I'm told I'll go up to C priority,which is good, but of course I'll be at the bottom of the pile. Most property goes to B & A priorities. I'm hoping the Royal Maudsely assessments will help but Housing keeps saying priority depends only on no. of bedrooms you are short, not need in other ways. I coped til now by not thinking about what's in front of us, but of course, what's in front is nearly here now. So worry button is on again.

aggypanthus

I have been trying to think of how you can get help, I googled charity groups in your area, didnt come up with anything exactly for your situation. there is a Salvation Army to call, or just contact a local church, hide your pride and ask for help. Who lives around you? anyone you have even nodded to in passing, then you could start a chat, it might lead to someone offering support/ people like to help if you give them chance.
Talk to someone at the kids school, after all it affects them.

Good Luck x

elona

How about contacting your MP?