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Original poster

help me to help a 15 year old who has NO family support

58 replies

colditz · 06/08/2010 18:30

She wants to do a hairdressing course next year (she is nearly 16)

She has NO income, and lives with a friend of her distant relatives. The woman she lives with is elderly and disabled and cannot afford to pay for her equipment, which will come to around £200.

Her family won't. She says her mother will say she will help, but will bung her £10 and say she hasn't got any more. She is very stressed, saying she doesn't know how to get 'grants and stuff' and worried that she won't be able to start this course.

She is hell bent on doing this course. I really don't believe it's just a whim.

She's vaguely related to my neighbour, which is how I know her - the neighbour can't afford to help her at all.

What can I do to help this poor girl? I can't afford to pay for it myself or I would - but she needs the equipment by September.

I'm so, so angry that she is so worried about this, that she is even in a position that she is worrying about if she can afford to complete her education, I feel I must do something.

OP posts:
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Manda25 · 04/09/2010 14:12

Just to let you know that you HAVE to let SS know that she is in a private Fostering arrangement with a non family member because she is under 16 - please contact them

www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/safeguardingandsocialcare/safeguardingchildren/privatefostering/fostering/

violethill · 08/08/2010 12:56

SS should definitely be involved - I agree it sounds like a private fostering arrangment - not that uncommon, in most schools I've worked in we've always had at least one Yr 11 pupil in this type of situation - often moving in with a school friend's parents.

RonansMummy · 07/08/2010 18:36

Try:

The local council
The Lion's club
The Rotary club
Gabbitas

These have all given me money towards educational things in the past :-)

Prinnie · 07/08/2010 18:25

Hi Colditz - did this get sorted out?

Original poster
colditz · 06/08/2010 21:33

RobAnthony - she's nearly 16 and has just sat her GCSE's, and banks don't loan to under 18s in any case.

i think it might be sorted out now anyway, but I'm waiting to find out about what they are doing to support her in the long term.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 06/08/2010 21:23

Rob - depends when her birthday is!

RobAnthony66 · 06/08/2010 21:18

If the girl is 15 then she should still be at school. It sounds like she should be at the end of Year 10 and just about to start Year 11. This would mean that she couldn't go to college next year. Ask her what school she goes to.

If she has to go the following year it will give her time to raise the money. Contact the CAB to see if there are charitable trusta that will provide money for equipment. Otherwise she could get a bank loan (perhaps) and repay the money with her EMA money (a Credit Union would be better though - again CAB should know if one is in the area.)

SixtyFootDoll · 06/08/2010 20:58

I think this is what Social services class a 'private fostering arrangement' and really should be involved.

tethersend · 06/08/2010 20:43

The situation is unfair on the girl and her carer. SS do need to be involved.

racmac · 06/08/2010 20:39

Well i was 17 and at college full time and i got benefits to support me through college

My mum kicked me out and i was living in private housing - i got housing benefit and extra benefits on top.

Has it changed?

CarGirl · 06/08/2010 20:33

sounds good, hopefully with their goodwill and you helping sort it out there will be a happy result for her.

SixtyFootDoll · 06/08/2010 20:32

Social services wont make her go back.
If she is 15 they will listen to her point of view.
They may check that the peron she is living with is suitable but will be able to advise on finances.

Original poster
colditz · 06/08/2010 20:24

At the moment, I'm trying to persuade the adults already involved of what they need to do.

My neighbours feed her a lot of the time - she really doesn't go without, but she feels guilty about having to always rely on other people.

I've told them that I'll go to the job centre with them all on Wednesday to talk about this. The situation cannot continue.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 06/08/2010 20:08

I would contact SS and see if they can formalise the current situation, the adult looking after her then may get a fostering allowance to help pay for her food etc.

30andMerkin · 06/08/2010 20:06

You say she won't go to her family church - does that mean she goes to another one? would they be able to help?

zippy539 · 06/08/2010 20:05

Colditz - have sent one back.

usualsuspect · 06/08/2010 19:59

Is there any info on the college website about hardship funds?

Original poster
colditz · 06/08/2010 19:58

no, she has to have it to start with - it is provided by the course tutor, not the college, and she won't get EMA until she has the start of term.

OP posts:
Hermya321 · 06/08/2010 19:53

I was about to suggest EMA, I'm sure that now goes directly to the student these days. So it would go a long way in helping her out.

If she can't afford to buy the equipment out right, is there anyway she can pay a bit off per week if she qualifies for EMA?

This young girl does seem determined, how about her school? When I went to college there were some small grants that I was given due to dire financial circs to help pay for books and stuff.

Original poster
colditz · 06/08/2010 19:51

Is it .com or .co.uk

OP posts:
zippy539 · 06/08/2010 19:47

Colditz - nothing through yet. Will put the dcs to bed and check back again in ten minutes.

Original poster
colditz · 06/08/2010 19:43

Zippy have done

OP posts:
GeekOfTheWeek · 06/08/2010 19:29

I would be very surprised if someone isn't claiming tax credits or cb for this girl.

She would be better off if ss were involved as they do sort out financial stuff too.

zippy539 · 06/08/2010 19:22

Colditz can you email me on zippy539 at btinternet.com.

cornsilk1010 · 06/08/2010 19:19

Money Saving Expert has a section with links to funding/grants for education.

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