Desperate to move away

[BananaSlug]

I’m really desperate to move, I only moved to this area to be close to family as they promised all kinds of help and support when I split with my ex but never bothered, there’s been a big family rift and now I no longer speak to most of them (not over this) so this place now holds a lot of bad memories and I hate the thought of bumping into them when I’m out and about and I also hate the fact they could turn up at my door at any time. The trouble is I’m in social housing so moving isn’t possible, only through a mutual exchange but I live in a rough area and really as I said only moved down here for the support I was promised. Mutual exchange could take years I’ve seen the same people on swapping sites for years trying to move (im talking at least 5 years) I’m really desperate to move away from the bad memories here, would it be stupid to give up my house so I can move away and go into private renting? I know people are going to say I should give up my place if I can afford to private rent that isn’t the case I just can’t face living room here any longer and not sure what else to do I can’t wait Years for a mutual exchange that will probably never happen.

Oh OP - there's nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable in your own home!
I suppose the obvious thing to ask is - what can you do to make your current living situation happier? What would happen if you were to bump into your relatives while out? I don't know what your argument was about but is there any way you could call any of them - perhaps one who you are still civil with - and explain that you have this constant worry that someone is going to turn up at your house/shout something at you in the street?

You mention support that you're missing. Is there another way you can establish yourself with a social circle and people who will give you that help? Maybe contact your local council - you might be surprised what kind of services they offer.

If you want to give us a few more details, the advice might be a bit more specific, but completely up to you.

Taking a few steps like these might make you feel better while you decide whether or not to try to move house.

Thank you, the relative that I don’t speak to just won’t accept it unfortunately and keeps turning up or just trying to get back into my life (took my daughter to a birthday party it was someone from my daughters school and the relative was there despite not having a young child and didn’t even know she knew the person) I just don’t want to bump into them constantly. I also worry they will get to my children next as they are growing up. I just need a fresh start, no one else in the family speaks to them so I can’t ask anyone else.

Poor thing I feel your pain as I was in the exact same situation. Luckily I managed to be put back on the housing register. But you have to explain to the "council" the issues you are facing and your concerns don't hold back tell them everything that is troubling you and they will review your housing application.

Because you are already housed they will give you a different band. So if you have any mental health issues, potential target for violent attacks or verbal abuse let them know!! and they will put you back on the housing register.

Now to get a property once you are on the register just log in just before midnight to bid for your new property problem is It will be in the same county/valley/district but most properties that are out now are newly built so they will be in NICE areas. After you get your new place you can then do a swap and move to your desired city.

Best of luck.