To be ashamed of what poverty has reduced me to?

[iAmSiri]

Today I took a big wad of loo roll from a public toilet because I didn't have the money to buy some.

I struggle every week to make ends meet and today, although I fortunately had money to feed dc, it just wouldn't stretch to include toilet paper.

[StealthPolarBear]

:( are things ever likely to get better, what is your work situation?

[Neffi]

I'm sorry you're struggling. Could you visit your local CAB and ask for a referral to a food bank to temporarily relieve the pressure? No shame in it at all I promise.

[Ragwort]

Please, please get a referral to a Food Bank. That is what they are set up for, some won't even need a referral. Please don't feel ashamed.

[willowrush]

She might have food in ragwort

[TheReluctantCountess]

Don't feel ashamed. We often end up doing that in the last week of the month.

[iAmSiri]

I'm a lone parent on JSA. Things are usually better when dc are at school as the free school dinners really help. I'm applying for a few jobs every week but struggling to even get an interview.
I will manage, I'd rather not go to the food bank as I think I'd rather leave it for people's who are in an even worse position than me.

[iAmSiri]

Btw I do have food in, there's electricity in the meter, so we're ok. It just feels a bit humiliating.

[Ahemily]

I'm so sorry it's come to this. It's so awful, I've been there. Food banks tend to have items other than food near us, such as loo roll etc, if you can face it. I hope things get better soon.

[Aramynta]

You need to contact CAB. They will know what to do and can help you work out your budget and where you can cut back.

Do you work? Benefits?

I used to live on the breadline too, OP. I fought bloody hard to change things and took help wherever it was offered.

[iAmSiri]

It's always the extras that push me over the edge money wise. Things like loo roll, washing powder etc.

[Ahemily]

Sorry, X post

[TheHobbit]

I know how you feel. I've just got through my poverty stage. I had to continously borrow money from work for petrol. Had to eat food which had expired as i got this free alot of it was off. Was given clothess as i couldn't afford to launder my own so go dirty and people started giving me their stuff. Constantly worried about bills and finances. It was awful we also got unlimited food bank food. I'm on pills for anxiety because of this. So i really hope something good comes your way like it did for me

[Welshmaenad]

A year into dh's redundancy I was buying milk with saved boots advantage card points, we were so skint.

It's awful. I'm sorry things are tough for you. Agree that a food bank referral might take the pressure off momentarily, by stocking your cupboards a bit and freeing money for other essentials.

Are you struggling with debts etc? There are organisations that can help.

[Aramynta]

Also, you should never feel ashamed for the position you are in or seeking out help to get you through it.

[TheHobbit]

Where are you based? Im moving now so have lots of bits and pieces to give away

[MiscellaneousAssortment]

Gosh holidays have been hard haven't they? The lunches, snacks and the entertainment - it's great to be creative and yes there's free stuff on but it's hard to get excited by the same stuff, especially when it rains.

You are still YOU, you are dignified, and wonderful, and fabulous. Loo paper is loo paper, it's not you. X

[Ragwort]

Willow - plenty of Food Banks (inc. the one I volunteer in) have toilet rolls and cleaning products, sanitary protection etc to give out, which might help her food budget. Our Food Bank has excess stocks and money in the bank so no one should ever feel that they are 'taking it from someone who needs it more than them'.

[msgrinch]

op if you're near me I can drop off a pack of loo rolls and washing powder etc. I double shopped this month, tried to cancel but it still turned up.

[iAmSiri]

Luckily I don't have any debts. It's just the usual day to day expenses. I thought of getting rid of broadband but I need it to search and apply for jobs.
TheHobbit, that's really kind of you but I'll be ok. I think I just need a moan really and felt like I needed to confess to what I'd done! The shame of poverty is overwhelming. The constant worrying is mentally exhausting.

[IJustLostTheGame]

Go to the food Bank, it's what they are there for. When your harsh times are over you can reciprocate.

[StealthPolarBear]

Misc lovely and so true.
Op I also wanted to ask where you are

[Welshmaenad]

Op, if you're in South Wales I would happily abuse DH's business Costco membership and pick you up loo rolls and a huge box of washing powder.

[iAmSiri]

msgrinch, thank you for your lovely offer but I'll sort it. I didn't realise food banks stocked loo rolls and stuff, I might give them a ring. How do I get a referral? Would the CAB refer me?

[Ahemily]

The shame of poverty is overwhelming

This is so bloody sad, OP. I'm upset and angry on your behalf. I really hope things start to pick up soon - you don't deserve to feel this way.

[Starbrite00]

I work in a food bank as a volunteer suri. Please dont be ashamed or think other people need more than you.
Its there to help and we actually get more people who work needing to use it lately than people without jobs, as cost of living outweighs the minimum wage jobs they do.