Single dad struggling with benefits, baby milk and where to get help

[MyLivelySquid]

I’ve recently became a single dad and as much as I hate to admit it I’m struggling, my son is 2 months old and I feel like I’m failing him. All my benefits have messed up due to going on to a single claim, does anyone know how to get help as I’m low on baby milk and I’ve no food in the house, I don’t care about me eating or not it’s my son that’s main priority! I went to the shops only to see if I could hide anything in his pram but I just couldn’t bring myself to potentially get into trouble and I’m terrified to ring social services in case they take my son, any advice is greatly appreciated

He might not be, but that’s how scammers ask, so?

Because he is a man…they wouldn’t report a woman who was stuck because dad ran off.

Absolutely and unequivocally untrue.

Is this your first day on Mumsnet?

Stick around for the begging threads that start around the beginning of November.

That warning message upthread from MNHQ was not composed years ago due to men asking for baby milk...

I agree, not as many places open on a Sunday or able to support in a situation like this…

First one ive seen…and ive been on and off here for years. But I don’t usually follow closely.

I do think this one reads well though, actually looking for help not cash, and not setting up a go fund me or giving out any details that felt suspicious.

that’s why I was surprised it was being reported

They never ask for cash as the thread would be immediately deleted.

Before anyone accuses me, I'm talking about scammers in general - it's not personal to this OP.

But ask for cash = immediate ban.

Wise up people!

Try your local Salvation Army OP.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Local churches

Get some food for yourself because your baby is totally dependent on you so you need to be well.

Do you not have a single family member, friend or neighbour that can lend you £20 today to buy milk?

If not, phone your local council and speak to the emergency duty social worker. They can arrange help for you today.

Which part of Wales are you in, OP?

I think most of us are wise but if this is genuine, there is no harm in signposting.

If someone is daft enough to offer hard cash to a total stranger who could be anywhere in the world that's their own numptyness.

If so many people think it’s a scam I’ll quite happily delete my post to prove it’s not, I genuinely asked for advice I don’t want money or pity, if a women posted this I expect she would have a lot of support - I didn’t ask for any of this to happen in my life :(

You say she has gone back to her mum so where is the grandmother in all this? Surely she must be very concerned about her grandson? Have you reached out to her? What about your parents ? Hoping you take the advice given and baby is fed

if They ask for cash or a gift card instead then you know it’s a scam

Women often post like this. They get just the same kind of response as you're getting.

If a woman posted this she'd get exactly the same extensive support you've been given.

Do you not feel the multitude of suggestions given by the posters here are helpful enough?

True - lots of helpful suggestions, yet @MyLivelySquid you've come back to focus on the other responses.

A woman would get exactly the same response as you are getting. You’ve been given loads of good advice.

Why not just ask the mother or grandparents/ other family members for money to buy the formula? I’d be shocked if family members wouldn’t happily pay in such circumstances.

Well if you’re going to ask for a deletion make sure you’ve screenshot all the useful advice you’ve been given first.

I’ve made a note of all the helpful organisations and I’ve been working through them all since putting this post on, when it comes to my child I’ll do everything possible no matter how embarrassed I feel

Don't believe a word of it.

@MyLivelySquid

If you say which part of Wales, OP, posters can give you specific advice.

There may well be time for you to get to an evening church service, where people will want to help.

Why can’t you ask family or friends? Your partner’s mother? Your own parents and / or siblings?

Not everyone has supportive family or even living family.
Consider yourself lucky if you do.