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 really appreciate all your replies. It's been a bad day but knowing there is support out there makes me feel less alone.

Just out of interest how are you getting internet access? Prepares to be flamed

I will do that thank you Batman

I will ensure I contribute to the trolley left at tesco for the food bank as I too would love to send you loo rolls but obviously you can't /won't accept. I didn't realise that loo paper can be put in the food bank. Any other suggestions?

I'm on my phone. I have to pay for this. Without access to the internet I can't properly search for jobs and apply for them.

Ah I see you have answered above. You can do that at the library or job centre. Broadband is a luxury that costs more than loo roll.

Bonkers op addresses that point

In my area you can only use foodbank a max of 3 times. So telling the OP to use it to take the pressure off rather than because she actually needs food might not be helpful.

Especially on JSA where you could be subject to a bullshit sanction and find yourself with a large hit in income for 12 weeks.

But you have money to text; mobile phone?

And a mobile smart phone too. Yes, I can see you must be really hard up.

Different food banks have different ways of referring - ours is via CAB or childrens centre or YMCA as well as drs - so the CAB are a good place to start even if they are not the referrers.

OP you have nothing to be ashamed of so cut that out right away please. Lots of us have been to foodbanks and it really isn't as bad as you think. It's so difficult to manage when you haven't a job and this will not go on because when we reach rock bottom there is only one way to go. Haven't any more advice other than the stuff you probably already know. Just want you to know that I shall be thinking about you and really hope things get better for you. If you have a poundstrechers nearby they have basic things at great prices, maybe look in there when some money goes in.Wish I could help more but understand that you just wanted to rant so won't make anymore suggestions.
for you

Did you read the OPs posts at all. youareallbonkers?

OP have you asked the jobcenter for a crisis loan?

Keep going, keep applying and don't lose faith. There is help out there.

I'm pretty sure our local food bank is a drop in - I don't think you need a referral.

Bonkers if you don't want to RTFT then DFOD!!!!

You are absolutely not alone, so please don't feel ashamed.

I remember the stomach churning dread of having no money. Even now I have a horror of ever returning to that situation. Been there, and I will never forget it.

I didn't know about food banks when I was in that situation. There seem to be a lot more of them now than there were then. Don't be ashamed to use yours.

You are doing your best in your current situation. You are also actively looking for work, and I remember that feeling too. Never seeming to get as far as an interview, in fact, rarely even speaking to another human being during the whole online and automated process. The rejections, the lack of any type of contact, the disillusionment. All I can say is just keep pegging away day by day. Something will turn up, perhaps when you are least expecting it.

Nothing at all to be ashamed of, although I know that is easy to say. I remember how it felt.

No need to feel ashamed OP.

It's not like you're one of those twats who gets a little thrill from kicking a person when they're already down, or anything.

If you have just come on the thread to sneer, may I suggest you fuck off.

Hope you are ok , OP. It's shit being skint.

Again in my area the library only allows Internet access free on a Friday for approves sites and the job centre often have long queues for their computers. Internet access while job searching is essential and OP would probably have no hope at all.

Christ on a bike, the OP can hardly cancel a contract at a moment's notice and convert that into real cash! You'd be charged a cancellation fee for a start.

Don't be ashamed OP, you're doing the best for your children. It's people like me who should be ashamed - in my younger more arseholish days I did exactly what you did but to make money stretch further so I could save up for luxury stuff. (I don't do this anymore!).

Good luck with your job hunt OP. I do a lot of recruitment in my job - feel free to PM me if you need any help or advice.

I hope the op hasn't been shamed off her own thread