To be ashamed of what poverty has reduced me to?

[iAmSiri]

Today I took a big wad of loo roll from a public toilet because I didn't have the money to buy some.

I struggle every week to make ends meet and today, although I fortunately had money to feed dc, it just wouldn't stretch to include toilet paper.

I know Ragwort, I just wanted to put that in as sometimes threads like this can have food banks being hailed as the answer to everything (I know you weren't doing this) and wanted to get that in there.

For example if I was in a position where I had to use a food bank, I'd have to get two buses. If I had no money - well, I would be stuck wouldn't i?

Really sorry you are going through this and really hope things improve for you soon .

tescos 15p soap is good for washing clothes. I use it to get the stains out of kids uniform.

how long have you been out of work? the jsa seems to be designed for short periods of time, and presumes you will not need to replace anything other than weekly stuff for a bit.

MiscellaneousAssortment, thank you for your lovely post.

Siri, you may be able to self refer. I think CAB can give you vouchers, also GP, Health Visitor, social worker (if you have one) etc. I used to work in DV support and issued them too.

Sign up with the pdsa OP so you can afford to get your new kitten neutered.

I've been there don't feel ashamed

I got made redundant whist pregnant with dd 5 years ago. It wasn't a huge problem at the time as I was with my ex. I had to leave that relationship a few years ago and I've been struggling ever since. It seems to be getting harder though, the price of essential items has gone up so much.

I'm sorry, OP. I have been there. I stole milk from a doorstep - more than once - when I was very skint. I'm deeply ashamed of that. I hope things start looking up for you soon. You are doing a great job keeping your DC fed when things are so tough.

The shame is in the fact that those who are able to afford to contribute most are often those who are putting the least back into the system, not that people are in your position. You are doing a tough job in unenviable circumstances, and I admire your stoicism, tenacity and willingness to do whatever you need to keep your children safe and well looked after. There's nothing to be ashamed about in that.

I've sent you a pm message OP.

The food bank I work in, you can self refer so dont need a referal. You can call your local one and ask.

I've been there as well OP.
Without food out of skips I don't know what I would have done when DD was small.
And this was 20 years ago.
No shame in it at all.

I hope things improve for you soon.

And I hope the Tory voters are patting themselves on the back.

No problem, I really hope things get better for you soon, I've been there and know how awful it is.

We also have nappies, toiletries and washing powder as these are also essential.

I too have been as skint as this. You're not alone and there's certainly no shame in using food bank referrals. All the best, hope positive things come your way soon, OP.

Our kitten is from a shelter and they will be covering the costs of neutering her and her vaccinations.

I've been there. There are weeks I have to make £5 feed all 4 of us. Its hard.

And I hope the Tory voters are patting themselves on the back.
Really!! Ruin the post and turn it onto something else.. Great work

Please don't ever feel ashamed of doing your absolute best for your kids. Being tucked up in bed at night knowing that they are loved matters. Wiping their bum on a bit of loo roll acquired from an unusual source doesn't matter.

I'm ashamed that we live in a society that allows this hideous cycle of poverty for so many families. Good luck with the job hunting.

Please use the food bank if you can. You can always make a donation to it at another stage when things are better for you.

Great post, gym, totally agree.

Been there too OP. I used to nab a roll from college if it wasn't in the dispenser when I was on income support and doing my A-levels. £45 a week didn't stretch too far at all. Spent a ridiculous amount of time in my local libray to study and not spend money on heating. It was grim but don't ever feel ashamed about it.

I second the 15p soap for washing powder. That grated and mixed with washing soda (99p) will get things clean.

IamSiri sign up anyway in case of any sickness or emergencies. Vets fees can cost a fortune.