How on earth am I supposed to self isolate?

[GammaRays]

Hi, I'm in a bit of a sticky situation and need some advice.

DS today got a high temperature out of nowhere. I called 111 and they've said I need to self isolate. However, I'm a single parent to DS, who's father is legally not allowed near us and for very good reason. My parents are both at risk and already self isolating, and the two friends I have who live nearby have both gone to stay with family far away. Every delivery slot of every supermarket is booked, and I cannot drive to do click and collect.

So, on Friday I'll be really running out of food. I don't know my neighbours (they all keep to themselves). What the hell am I meant to do? Even my local Facebook is saying they can't take any more requests for help as they're prioritising the elderly, which I completely understand, but in short, I'm screwed aren't I?

@GammaRays
I’d be happy to help out and deliver some food for you if you could let me know what you need?

How old is DS, could you leave him in the car while you ran in for some essentials?

This is really worrying/annoying me, I think single parents with very young dependents are just as vulnerable, we don’t want you to be put in a position we’re you’ve got to go out with a sick child and I don’t think it’s fair for you to be put in a position where you might get sick and can’t look after your child.

Do you have any farm shops nearby? They seem to be delivering and doing click and collect round here.

Drop your neighbour's a note, no one is gna see you struggle

I would try local farm shops or local fruit and veg suppliers.
I live in the south and have found a great fruit and veg man, a local farmer for milk, Meat, sour dough bread and eggs.
Our village shop for most other things
Good luck

I had a call from a Chelmsford local councillor today asking if we were OK. Directed me to the council on Facebook if we needed help. I just went on and got this:
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/coronavirus/helping-and-being-helped-essex-community-shield/

Just wanted to pop on today to thank everyone once again for your help. At 10 this morning I had a bag dropped off with bread, milk, eggs and butter in and the man (Phil, who was the first to offer help on the nextdoor app) wouldn't give me his bank details so I could pay for the food, just told me not to worry about it and can I give him a list of what I want/need. I cried, a lot, in front of a complete stranger and it was weird but wonderful. This situation is tough but along with everyone here, there are kind people out there. DS and I had poached eggs on toast for lunch and Phil will be back this evening with as much as he can find that's on my list. I'm extremely grateful and thanked him a lot, but also thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

Phil sounds like an absolute legend !!!!

Oh I think I'm a bit in love with Phil! So pleased for you OP. Just had a look near me and can't find anywhere at all so will try nextdoor later.

That's a really heartwarming update!

Bless Phil - I would have cried too!
So glad you got the help you needed.
Hugs to you and to Phil!
Legend!

I'm so glad you have Phil!

For future options and if it helps anyone else reading this- one of our work's suppliers have just announced they are opening up to individual customers during this situation: www.bidfood.co.uk/

God bless Phil

Oh, reading that has made my eyes a little damp. How wonderful for you, OP and another local hero in Phil.

Yes Phil!!! That's exactly what community spirit is about.

Glad you had some lovely poached eggs.

Keep well op

OP, I think I am fairly near you. I have PM'd you some local suggestions.

And I've just seen your update! Glad you were sorted.

Village stores and corner shops are delivering - worth giving one near you a ring. Good luck.

Fantastic to read your update OP!

Phil did indeed come to the rescue, and I felt like such a tit for crying but he is so kind. He dropped 3 bags of food off for me at around six and this time I said I'd chase him if he didn't let me give him some money via bank transfer, he told me it was £30. After I got the bags inside and unpacked I saw the amount of baby food/snacks, yoghurts, more milk, juice, oven food and pasta did I realise that he fibbed and it probably cost nearer £60. I've had a good cry and sent him thank you messages, and he's given me his details so I can ask him again if I need to. I know it was probably pathetic to cry in front of a stranger but it just felt so kind, he just is so kind and it's helped me feel a lot less scared. He even got me a bar of galaxy chocolate, saying that I deserve it and that sent me over the edge.

If anyone else in a similar position finds this thread, the nextdoor app honestly saved me and thank you so much to everyone who suggested it

Also, he only lives 4 streets away from me and the only thing he couldn't get on my list was antibacterial wipes so he really is a legend.

Glad you are sorted OP.

How lovely. So glad you’re ok OP and hats off to the wonderful Phil.

Yay! Glad you are sorted. And no need to feel a tit about crying! These are difficult times.
👏🏻 For Phil.

Neighbourly Phil is totally brill!

How lovely to read your good news and I'm so pleased for you and your little one.
Bet those poached eggs tasted fantastic!