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.

Completely agree re. Olio. Absolutely fab app, lots of free food on mine daily.

@RachelHasThoseInBurgundy - thank you so much that is so helpful. The DC got HWB for Christmas last year - I'll suggest they start using them and warming the clothes in the morning sounds like bliss!!

@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.

I remember having similar a child under the Tories. It was pretty shit. Mum could only afford porridge, some days we’d eat mainly porridge, pancakes made with flour and water and potatoes. It was cold, I remember standing by the gas cooker trying to warm up.

She couldn’t get a job and have childcare as well. Suffered severe mental health - and no support.

Got to love the Tories.

@Iggly - I'm so sorry to hear that.

Putting our next day clothes round the hot water bottles in our beds. I find the HWB are still slightly warm in the morning so our clothes are warm

I hadn't thought of this. Thanks for the tip.

[quote UndertheCedartree]@RachelHasThoseInBurgundy - thank you so much that is so helpful. The DC got HWB for Christmas last year - I'll suggest they start using them and warming the clothes in the morning sounds like bliss!![/quote]
Do you have one? I have spares. Very happy to send you if you like.

[quote UndertheCedartree]@Iggly - I'm so sorry to hear that.[/quote]
Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel guilty.

I’m in a great place now, thankfully.

I feel so bad for you and your family, and most certainly will not be voting Tory in the next election (proud to say I never have).

Iggly

Just want to say a big thank you for all you kind people that have responded with tips and tricks, ideas and just showing you care. It means so much! It makes me feel so much better! It makes me feel a little less helpless! This is why I love Mumsnet.

@RachelHasThoseInBurgundy - that is so kind! I think I can probably pick one up in the Pound shop, though so cheaper than you sending me one. Thank so much, though.

And for you, OP. I hear you on this. I don't have children, but I'm also sick of watery porridge. Good luck.

@Iggly - you didn't make me feel guilty. I'm so glad you are in a good place now!

Making beds cosy:

Make yourself into a sausage roll with your duvet. Fold your duvet in half length ways and lay it on the bed, then lift the top and get inside and tuck it in under you. Far warmer than just having it on top of you.

I don’t recommend it for peace and quiet reasons but for warmth, you can’t beat a little DC cosying up beside you in bed

@grapewine - oh, I'm sorry - it can get very boring having to eat the same old thing. Are you going to try the powdered milk tip?

If you’re having Children In Need meetings, does this mean your family has a social worker?
If so, they can help with situations like this. Or Barnardos. Salvation Army can help too or local agencies.
It’s terrible that this has to happen to people in this day and age.
I know you prodont want sympathy, but my heart goes out to you.

[quote UndertheCedartree]@grapewine - oh, I'm sorry - it can get very boring having to eat the same old thing. Are you going to try the powdered milk tip? [/quote]
Thanks. I will yes, if I can find it where I am (not in the UK). Sounds like a good idea.

[quote UndertheCedartree]@RachelHasThoseInBurgundy - that is so kind! I think I can probably pick one up in the Pound shop, though so cheaper than you sending me one. Thank so much, though.[/quote]
Yes good idea! If you’re stuck PM me. I’ll cover postage.

@RachelHasThoseInBurgundy - ah, the sausage roll method - love it!

I have had my little DD in bed with me the last few nights and she is a lovely warm, soft teddy bear. But she does like to pull my weighted blanket off me and over her which leaves part of me lovely and warm and part of me cold!

OP I am so sorry we are living in a shithole country that thinks it is acceptable for people to live like this. I'm also sorry that Labour are so unspeakably shit that I don't see anything changing any time soon.

My only other tip is to keep your lower back / kidneys warm. Google haramaki. These are amazing and help you maintain your core temperature. I put one on after cold water swims. You can improvise by wrapping a scarf around you. That and a scarf around your neck and handwarmers that cover your wrists (make out of old socks if necessary) all make a difference.

@BingBongToTheMoon - yes my DC have a social worker. Hopefully they can help with a few things. Thank you for your kind wishes - it means a lot.

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this; nothing to add to the sensible suggestions above but didn't want to read and run.

I hate this government who don’t give a shit. I understand the uplift was temporary but prices have shot up. I’d like to see Boris live on UC or minimum wage! I am lucky (touch wood) but I never take it for granted as I grew up poor.

Also socks in bed are a must. I’ve been freezing the last few nights and have trussed myself up like I’m off to the Arctic.

I'm so sorry op