I seriously need help

Have you only read the opening post??

Do you have access to PayPal credit if you have PayPal? Iceland and other supermarkets do accept PayPal but you could put it on there if you can? Then you can pay it over a few weeks/months. I honestly do hope things get better for you my love. Please hold on a little longer. If you can, post on your local Facebook group (or ask the admin to post). I have helped out mums with food shopping multiple times over the years that way xx

I’m so glad you got yourself sorted. Sending a big hug x

I've been where you are. I've gone days without eating and gone without heating for weeks. I know what it's like. I've also donated to people online before but now I'm saving and so won't be doing that anymore, sorry.

Are you receiving all the universal credit you are entitled to?
You got a lecci voucher so that's good.
Get regular food bank top ups which you should apply for tomorrow.

You need to put a small emergency fund away, even a fiver a month will see you through the very difficult times.

Find a credit union and surrender your child benefit. Then take your first loan which you won't see repayments because they simply keep using a portion of your child benefit. This will kickstart your finances. Put a buffer in your bank account, pay off any high interest debts or cards that you CAN USE AGAIN soon. So for example pay off a credit card and keep the card for emergencies.

Ensure you are on token payments with your other debts.

The credit union is what will save you long-term. I get my loan every 6 months and now have thousands in savings and a grand every 6 months for home improvements and things.

You need to keep tweaking. Like I say above I've gone hungry and am now in a position better than most people in the country, financially.

can you do any extra work? Offer up babysitting, cleaning, cat sitting or dog walking on local groups. Sell absolutely anything. There are a few threads on here for trying to earn a few quid from surveys etc - enough to get you a loaf & some beans.

If your child is less than 5 years old you can contact your health visitor and if school age the school nurses they can do a food bank voucher. You can also contact your local family hub they can help.

Salvation Army? A friend?

Outrageous in this country that you should have to suffer this.

Glad you're sorted now. I echo what other people have said avout Churches and foodbanks. One of the pastors at All Nations church used to leave food in crates out side in his house in Crystal Glen. Bread amd potatoes etc.

If you're anywhere near the Hari Krishna centre (Krishna Cymru, Ty Krishna Cymru Bay View House, 102 Bute St) they do a Sunday feast from 3 to 5pm. They suggest making a donation, but you don't have to pay if you can't.

I know this doesn't help immediately, but moving forward, it would be really worth finding your local food pantry and shopping there regularly. Sometimes they're called food clubs / hubs and with some you have to book a slot online. Others are just like a small shop that you can just go into and they'll also advertise that day's bargains on their facebook page. Generally, it's around a fiver for 12 items, £10 for 25 etc. They're not foodbanks, no referral's needed and they're not means tested - the emphasis being on saving money by preventing food waste as some things are close to their sell by date, although still perfectly fine to still eat, freeze etc. They usually have staples like tea, coffee, pasta, rice etc etc too. Some of those places also run courses on budgeting and there's often freebies as they have too many of certain items that day.They're total gamechangers in how to eat well for so much less. Good luck x

I think it’s impossible to tell tone from a sentence on the internet. It resulted in practical help being offered.

It can be said in a way that acknowledges someone’s struggles.

It’s practical though. Once the OP clarified, lots of suggestions were forthcoming. Practical help is better than empathy.

What a lovely empathetic first response.

Glad you’re sorted now op. There’s another homeless centre called the Wallich on the broadway opposite a place called the Rainbow of Hope.
The lady that runs The Rainbow of Hope Liz Perret is a lovely lady who helps the homeless and refugees and anyone else who needs help. Also the Salvation Army used to park their bus in front of the museum in the evening giving food to people.
It’s worth knowing about these places not only for yourself but for others who may find themselves in need in the future. All the best op.

https://www.givefood.org.uk/needs/at/cardiff/locations/

I sent you a DM x

Really good to hear you're temporally sorted. I'm a long way from you, but involved in homeless street kitchens and emergency help. I noted others pointed you to them, and just wanted to say there is never a night goes by that someone who isn't technically homeless but is in genuine need of food turns up. TTBOMK it's the same everywhere.
We don't ask questions and we don't discriminate. We just feed those who come, and talk to those who wish to and respect the choices of those who don't.. It's literally what we are there for, but most of us know where you can find all sorts of help if you ever run into trouble again.

Go to the nearest active church and ask to see the vicar. Explain your situation. They are allowed to refer you to a food bank. They should know of a nearby one. If not, just ask if they would ask the food bank to deliver or if one of their parishioners would do a good turn and take you to the nearest Food Bank if it is not within walking distance. Honestly that is the job of any half-decent Christian (or Muslim afaik.) When I worked for a food bank we delivered a lot as it was not based near the people who needed it. We were happy to drop off food for people who needed it, but we separated from Trussell as it seemed to have so many rules that prevented us from being kind and helpful to people in need, so that decision was made independently.

OK so this won't help today but ive found this online you can apply through the council for a emergency grant for food and fuel if you are on benefits . Its called the emergency assistance programme .you can also apply online.
You can also apply to the money advice service for help with fuel.
I hope this helps you .

You have to pay for too goodto go. I yhink olio is a local freefood group so that would gelp if there is a local one,

Please get yourself registered as in need through these people:
Food - Cardiff Money Advice Service
then you will get vouchers to be used in a foodbank through
Home | Cardiff Foodbank
Good luck

Honestly walk into your nearest church, tell them you’re hungry and ask them for food. They’ll help