When it's freezing and you can't put the heating on and breakfast is porridge made with water...

[UndertheCedartree]

AIBU to wish so hard the uplift was never taken away? We were doing so well with that extra amount! But now that has gone and utilities have gone up we are left with little for food and heat.

Sorry, this is just a vent! Nothing anyone can do but I'm just feeling a bit upset this morning.

People would still be up shit creek next year though. Needs to stay for good

@underthecedartree

Have a wee look at Free My Meal - there's a website and FB.
They might be able to help

@dreamingofsun - unfortunately I am unable to work at the moment.

@Crikeyalmighty

If you aren't getting all you are entitled to OP please make that a priority , because that is what is draining what little you have. What they owe you I'm sure would more than cover getting your shower and heat situation looked at too.

Yes, I think it would.

[quote HadEnoughOfBears]@underthecedartree

Have a wee look at Free My Meal - there's a website and FB.
They might be able to help [/quote]
Thank you very much - I'll have a look!

OP please contact your MP. I work in the Advice sector providing support to vulnerable people. Professionals are referring cases to MPs where there has been a long wait for PIP assessments and decisions. Please contact your MP or ask the social worker to do this on your behalf. It's an absolute travesty what's happening in this country right now.

Get in touch with MENCAP, they'll have specialist support workers who can help you with benefits and what you're entitled also remember you can apply for child's DLA for you son with autism.

@plumpudisnice

OP please contact your MP. I work in the Advice sector providing support to vulnerable people. Professionals are referring cases to MPs where there has been a long wait for PIP assessments and decisions. Please contact your MP or ask the social worker to do this on your behalf. It's an absolute travesty what's happening in this country right now.

Ok, thank you

@FancyNan

Get in touch with MENCAP, they'll have specialist support workers who can help you with benefits and what you're entitled also remember you can apply for child's DLA for you son with autism.

I will, thank you

Can I also just say you're very sweet trying to reply to everyone too! I'm so pleased to hear you got some shopping in and with all the other advice and tips you'll hopefully get more support and things will ease a bit for you. This thread had probably help others in this situation too which is great

I'm so sorry to read of your situation and your positive spirit is truly admiral
I'm on PIP and ESA myself and the only thing I can add is please do look into the warm home scheme and apply immediately as there is a short window
It's £140 towards energy costs
Wishing you and DC well

@Livebythecoast

Can I also just say you're very sweet trying to reply to everyone too! I'm so pleased to hear you got some shopping in and with all the other advice and tips you'll hopefully get more support and things will ease a bit for you. This thread had probably help others in this situation too which is great

Aw, thank you. Yes, I really hope it has helped others. This thread really is a gold mine of information!

@uncomfortablydumb53 - thank you so much.

www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/services-help-you

I'm just going through the thread again making notes with a flask of coffee so I reduce boiling the kettle - such a great tip. I'm fortunate enough to have things like a flask and blankets I'm going to put up at the windows and we also have sleeping bags and hot water bottles to keep us toasty at night. Oh and a cat - our Cosy Kitty to warm our beds and us! I will have lots of things to ask for support with at the next CIN meeting.

@UndertheCedartree
I had SS involvement with my DC when younger and I wonder if it's worth asking if there's a support worker( aside from social worker) who could help liaise with benefits agency and charities on your behalf? I remember I had a new washing machine and bedding and clothing vouchers for DC
There is also Family fund as you mention your DC has autism

This might help grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/
They offer grants in certain circumstances.

Re blankets at windows - check Freecycle for second hand curtains - ive just given away some thick interlined ones - you can actually hang 2 sets of curtains on one pole as long as it’s reasonably secure and the curtains aren’t too heavy.

@suspiria777

Just a small tip could you get a big tub of milk powder and add a spoonful of that to your porridge? Skimmed milk powder is more common i think, but NIDO is full fat a teaspoon per portion would add a lot of creaminess and it's only about £1/100g.

It's a great idea, but actually far more expensive than full fat milk itself. NIDO is £3.85 for 400g at Sainsburys. 400g makes 3.076 litres of milk. You can buy 3.4 litres (6 pints) of full-fat milk for £1.60. So it's over double the price to use powdered milk.

But if you’re only using a teaspoon of powdered milk at a time, not making up a whole pint, it should last much longer.

I can't offer any better suggestions than these, but the thread has inspired me to make a cash donation to the local food bank.
I'm on a low income myself, but have a small amount to spare. I give food each week when I shop, but felt the need to do a little more.
I think this government is disgusting that people can end up in OPs situation.
Good luck OP.

@TatianaBis

But if you’re only using a teaspoon of powdered milk at a time, not making up a whole pint, it should last much longer.

This. It will last much longer and you’ll have it ready for those days/weeks where you can’t buy milk, to tide you over.

I use two more apps, Shopmium and Checkoutsmart. They have various food items on the app each week and each has a different offer. Some items you get free, some half price etc. Check the apps before you go shopping and take advantage of items that suit you. I usually only get the free ones. Basically you pay for the item, scan your receipt and then they refund it into your bank account (shopmium) or build up to £5.00 and withdraw (Checkoutsmart). We have tried some random bits that we wouldn't have tried before, often they have flavoured waters, fizzy drinks, snack bars etc.
If you want to use Shopmium my referral code is ACMUMGUE. You get a free tube of pringles on your first transaction, I get £3 for your first transaction. You can then refer on your own friends and get £3 each time someone uses your referral code.

[quote uncomfortablydumb53]@UndertheCedartree
I had SS involvement with my DC when younger and I wonder if it's worth asking if there's a support worker( aside from social worker) who could help liaise with benefits agency and charities on your behalf? I remember I had a new washing machine and bedding and clothing vouchers for DC
There is also Family fund as you mention your DC has autism [/quote]
Thank you

@MrsGatsby99

This might help grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/ They offer grants in certain circumstances.

Thank you