to wonder what the fuck to do now? (Immediate financial problem)

[Margaritte]

We are on a very tight budget for the next couple of months. We know this, and have got advice from StepChange & I posted a thread on here for recipe /shopping advice.

However, today our card declined trying to pay for £22 or so worth of shopping. We were not expecting that, and now I am very worried and starting to panic

We have some food in for dinners. No packed lunch food though, for ds1 & 2 and dh. We have no milk (well, enough for a bottle tonight for dd) and are down to 3 nappies.

Payday isn't until end of next week, so have to do something until then.

Sorry op, I just went back to read the rest of the posts and I see you're now sorted for nappies.

This makes me so sad. I would really like to help if I can. I will PM you. I have been in a similarly dreadful situation after my husband left me and cut off all financial support. Fortunately I had friends, family and neighbours who all rallied and were willing to help. I have never felt so ashamed and so terribly stressed in my life, just dreadful and so frightening. It sounds like you are on a low income, I hope you get some help with tax credits etc. Anyway, as I said, I will PM you. Good luck and thinking of you OP

Can I also say, isn't Mumsnet bloody wonderful?

Is there a boots near you? If so PM me the location and your name and I will get a potty sent there for you.

of course margaritte. Just PM me your address and I will get them sent (hope 5+ is okay, theyre still the same size just bit more absorbent)

I've sent you a pm too. I'm in Kent and would like to help you if I can. X

Hope you are o.kay margaritte I have read this thread thinking there but the grace of God

Totally off subject but if you think your dd is getting ready to be potty trained you might be able to pick up a potty for nothing on freecycle and you may not actually need one. My dd hated the potty and I potty trained her by just sticking her on the actual toilet every couple of hours or so.

I am just about to PM you, I would love to help

Sorry if this has already been posted, but it might be worth checking out with your local welfare rights whether there are any short term grants you might be eligible for. Our local council had emergency welfare fund, which is always undersubscribed, they'll be able to help re benefits/ budgeting.

Hope things look up for you soon x

What about Freegle or Freecycle? you might get a bike or a bike with a child seat if you ask?

I will join and ask Girlwhowearsglasses It would be very helpful, and I hadn't thought of that.

Things like potties or toilet training seats & step (personally I couldn't handle emptying a potty despite being a cloth nappy user) will probably be readily available via posting a wanted ad on Freecycle - you do need to offer something first, outgrown dc clothes would be fine.

Esp if you ask specifically. I've given away stuff I hadn't intended to on Freecycle because of a quite specific request for piece of baby equipment..

I'm surprised people are suggesting m&s, surely that's the dearest place?

There was a food bank collection outside sainsburys near my work recently. I often donate and asked if they needed nappies as it wasn't on their list. They really appreciated that as often it's needed but is far down on donators minds (probably sanitary protection too) so I bought them that along with bog rolls etc as well. However you do need a voucher, usually from social services, CAB, job centre etc

spidey OP has a gift card from M & S with £20

If you're anywhere near Canterbury I can provide a potty (we have a spare) and half a pack of size 5 nappies. I also have some size 2-3 girls clothes needing a home plus shoes think in size 4 and up.. All worn but lots of life left.

I have some size 5 nappies that were given to me by someone who thought I might like them for ds but he is only in a 4 at the moment. Happy to post them on to you if you PM me your address. They are just sitting in a cupboard collecting dust.

If you want to PM me a list of basic food & toiletry supplies you need, I'll arrange an online shop to be delivered to you OP.

You can't just rock up to a food bank and ask, for everyone suggesting it. You usually need a voucher/referral.

I'd like to help but don't know how to PM on here.

OP if you PM me if you need anything else like deodorant or haircare or tampax, or anything!! At all, let me know and I can help

Some churches do have no referral food banks - ours will hand out food parcels to anyone who turns up in need.

I've seen MN at it's worst and at it's best this weekend.

OP. Lots of us have been there. So pleased to see you take up the offers of help.

I'm nowhere near you OP, but I thought of you today whilst in the supermarket.

I usually buy a few of the usual suspects for the food bank donation - cereal, tins, tea bags etc. Today I bought nappies, wipes, toothpaste and shower gel.

I hope things improve for you soon