Is anyone please able to help? I desperately need some advice.
I am in a situation, where I am 12 weeks pregnant. I didn’t know when I met my partner, that he was a recovering alcoholic. Since I fell pregnant, it has all transpired and he has been frequently day drinking. This means I have been coming home from work, to him 3 bottles of wine down, slurring, falling all over the place and if I try to get away from him by going to bed, pushing his way in to my bedroom and slamming doors until the doorframe breaks. I have had to put a lock on my bedroom door, as he barged in my bedroom 12 times the other night, demanding we talk, when he’s incoherent. It’s terrifying, I don’t feel safe, I don’t want him near our baby or myself as things are and I just don’t know where to turn for help. He also owes me money for bills and food this month, which has left my bank account empty.
We live in a privately rented 2 bedroom flat. Previously, the plan was to turn his room in to the baby’s room but now that won’t be the case, even if I am able to have him evicted, I wouldn’t be able to afford the whole rent of £1650pm plus bills etc, or any 2 bedroom place for me and baby, on just my wage. I obviously need a 2 bedroom but just don’t know how I can afford it, now I’m alone.
What do I do? Do I try and stay in this flat and see if the council will help me with half the rent and bills? Am I eligible if I am employed? Or is there any other option? I have lived in Spelthorne borough my whole life but moved to Chertsey (Runnymede borough) in July 2023, as I started a new job, in Addlestone (Surrey borough), in September 2023. Both Surrey and Runnymede council state I must have been living or working in their borough for 3 consecutive years, to be eligible for any help with housing. Should I try Spelthorne instead, having lived there all my life, up until recently? Or does anyone know if, as I am a key worker, if I am eligible for any help that way?
If anyone could please help point me in the right direction, I would be so, so grateful. Desperate right now…thank you..