36 weeks pregnant — In emergency accommodation

[sophrosynee]

Posting here for traffic... Hope that's okay.

Hi everyone,

I'm 36 weeks pregnant and been living in emergency accommodation for the past 7 weeks (bed and breakfast). I'm expecting to have my baby very soon! I just wanted to know, the day I go in to labour, do I contact the council to let them know? My housing officer never answers the phone, never responds to voicemails and always ignores my emails. I'm afraid if I don't show up to sign the register they'll automatically assume the worst—like making myself intentionally homeless.

I don't have any family with me and I used to live with my partner and his family, until one day he never showed up and they wanted me out. I intend to go back to work as soon as I can.

Please be nice, as I know people tend to judge those who are in situations like myself. If I had the choice I wouldn't be here today. The place I am staying is terrible, but I'm honestly not complaining. Just glad I have a roof over my head.

Also, I've purchased a moses basket for the baby, as I think I'll be coming back here after birth. Does anyone know how long it'll usually take to rehouse me, at least to a mother and baby unit?

Thank you for all your help.

How often do you have to sign the register? An email would be better than a phone call as you then have a paper trail, you can’t be accused of not letting them know.

Rehousing depends massively on what part of the country you are in, 15 yrs ago, I was in your situation, I was really lucky in that I received a phone call when dc was a week old saying that I had a place of my own, I moved in a few weeks later.

I was lucky that I was in a family/m&b B and B so it wasn’t nearly as unpleasant as the two I’d been in before that, can you ask your housing officer if they have something similar you could move to?

Good luck with everything, hope little one arrives safely and you get rehoused soon

Tell the B & B and also the council. Look on their website forvthe group email address.

Talk to your midwife. Also the housing authorities. Your gp might help or even social services. Good luck with everything.