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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

in thinking social services should help me?

51 replies

SammyFirstBaby · 09/08/2013 20:31

So I had a flat whilst I was pregnant and I had to move as I was under social services as a leaving care person, so they put me in a mother and baby unit. Then after being there for 6 months and giving birth 3months in, a piece of history came back to haunt me so I was rushed out of area from south east london to east london. I am happy I'm here, but just expected some help. I'd already had my leaving care grant but all my furniture was taken from my flat by my old landlord as when I needed to hand him my keys, I was in "fake labour" due to liver problems and couldn't get to him and he wouldn't come and collect them. By law, he was able to do this, so I was left with nothing.
But now I'm in a one bedroom flat, with no washing machine, bed anything. I just expected them to help more, seen as it wasn't my choice to move it was more for safety for my child.
Iv tried finding charaties to help, but I'm just useless at these things.
Sorry, just needed a rant.

OP posts:
TidyDancer · 09/08/2013 20:36

Can you get a social fund loan?

What help are you expecting from social services? I can't make out whether it's financial or otherwise.

ImTooHecsyForYourParty · 09/08/2013 20:38

Yes, they ought to. Have you contacted them and they've refused to help you? What about making an appt with the CAB for advice, or talking to your health visitor? they should be able to point you in the direction of some support and local furniture projects.

Have you applied for a crisis/budgeting loan from the dss?

Tigglettchic · 09/08/2013 20:41

Hi, as a SW who used to work with Care Leavers, I feel I can help.

In my LA, if we had moved a young person because of safety issues or if the baby's SW had insisted on a move, we would have supported the YP to get the essentials they need.

I don't know your actual circumstances but if you are still allocated a Leaving Care PA then you should contact them.

Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss

Em

EhricLovesTeamQhuay · 09/08/2013 20:41

Are you over 21?
If not, do you have a named personal advisor?
Does your child have a social worker?

TheSecondComing · 09/08/2013 20:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

gordyslovesheep · 09/08/2013 20:44

yes contact your leaving care worker - they should at least be able to advise you x

McNewPants2013 · 09/08/2013 20:45

You could try free cycle, if you don't have proper Internet access you can in your local library.

Yanbu to want some help from SS.

ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 09/08/2013 20:49

Yanbu. What exactly do you need? Im sure some mners could help you find most of it on freecycle / seek & sell etc.

ImTooHecsyForYourParty · 09/08/2013 20:50

budgeting loan. click here looks like they're available still, but not I think for those who've been moved over to universal credit.

looks like it's the crisis loan you can't get. click here

click here something called a short term budgeting advance.

Original poster
SammyFirstBaby · 09/08/2013 20:52

I had a budgetting loan whilst I was pregnant so not sure if I can get another.
Also my social worker is on holiday untill 2 weeks time, witch seems to be very conviniantiv looked on gumtree, and free cycle and when I do find something, its a problem of getting it dropped of as I have NO family what so ever.
I'm litrelly alone.
I think ss are not wanting to help because they gave me £200 towards a buggy as my sure start grant was taking ages and I was due. I did explain that when my grant clears I have to buy other stuff (I even got second hand) so I could pay them back but with that and bills. I just couldn't afford it, iv written to them and theyv told me I have to pay it back witch I'm fine with, but they don't seem to want to accept it has to be instalments. I feel like such a crap mother.

OP posts:
honeytea · 09/08/2013 20:52

YANBU, no advice, but congratulations on your baby Thanks

honeytea · 09/08/2013 20:54

Sammy your not a crap mother, your a lovely mum, your trying your hardest to make a home for your baby it is not your fault all that rubish has happened to you. Just keep remembering that your baby won't actually care about the furniture they only care that you are there with them :)

Original poster
SammyFirstBaby · 09/08/2013 20:55

Well I need a bed for me, a cot bed for my son as he's 3months old and the moses basket is tiny now. A washing machine, some sofas. Just anything you would have in a house.
I live in manor park to, but have no way of getting stuff to my house apart from carrying.

OP posts:
LynetteScavo · 09/08/2013 21:00

Try to find out about Surestart.

Do you see people, how someone with no car, and no one nearby with a car can't access Freecycle easily?

MNHQ
OliviaIsOffTheGinMumsnet · 09/08/2013 21:02

Good evening

We do advise all our members to be aware that not everyone on t'internet is who they say they are, and that, although we're awed daily by the astonishing support our members give each other through life's trickier twists and turns, we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster, emotionally or financially, than they can afford to spare.

Onesleeptillwembley · 09/08/2013 21:02

How are you accessing the Internet?

ilovesooty · 09/08/2013 21:04

Internet enabled phone?

SugarSpunSisters · 09/08/2013 21:05

You can get multiple budgeting load as long as the total owed is not more than £1500 Smile

Local Authorities also have local provisions to replace the old crisis loan/community care grant - depends on where tu are, some authorities stipulate 3rd party referrals only, through say, the CAB. They can help with food or white goods and other things.

If you would like to say or pm your local authority I could look info up for you.

SugarSpunSisters · 09/08/2013 21:06

Ignore my typos Hmm

MrsAVB · 09/08/2013 21:06

Hi sammy.
You can probably apply for a buttle small grant, they fund things around the house, like beds, ovens, fridges etc. but you need a professional (sw or maybe someone at a children's centre). to sign off the application. If you are over 20 it could be in your baby's name rather than yours.
If you are anyway near a home-start branch, they may be able to help too; they are a charity that supports families with under 5s, and especially those who are more vulnerable.
Kids Company's Colour a Childs Life scheme might be useful too, they are a charity who provide a key worker to families in London who need help getting their homes more homelike.
Good luck sammy, and congratulations on becoming a mother!
X

AnotherStitchInTime · 09/08/2013 21:07

Have a look at this furniture re-use charity Sammy. We used a similar one after being referred by our council housing department and got lots of furniture. Also our housing department also supplied us with a bed, maybe they can help if you speak to someone who deals with Homelessness.

Original poster
SammyFirstBaby · 09/08/2013 21:07

I have a blackberry. I pay £5 for a months internet. Don't worry people, I'm not asking for money, just advice in where to look.
I'm gonna give my local council a ring monday.

OP posts:
candycoatedwaterdrops · 09/08/2013 21:08

There will be a duty social worker in your social worker's team. Give them a call.

Tigglettchic · 09/08/2013 21:08

Can you access your local Home Start or children's centre, they can support.

candycoatedwaterdrops · 09/08/2013 21:08

Also, are you linked up with Homestart?