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.

Another bed warming tip which is not what you asked for, is to use a hairdryer - 30 seconds and your bed is toasty.

@HereticFanjo - thank you - I'll have a look. I seem to remember my mum always telling me to keep my kidneys warm! I was very lucky that my best friend knitted me some hand warmers last Christmas - they are great!

@FreeBritnee

Be careful with hairdryers!

Have you looked at food clubs in your area and the too good to go app?

@dunkaccino - sounds good!

Thank you to all you lovely people posting! You are amazing!

@NigelSlatersXmasTaters - there is a food club that I used some time ago. But I think for the price I can probably stretch that money further in a budget supermarket.

I'll look at the good to go app, thank you!

@UndertheCedartree

Don't feel guilty for doing your best!

You don't need to be relentlessly cheerful, but lots of hugs & 'making the best of it' together, goes a long way with kids!!

Definitely make sure you're getting every bit of help you & the kids can get! From wherever you can get it.

Do you have heavy curtains? If not the charity shops or free cycle type sites usually have them. It does make a big difference.

Definitely recommended milk powder - it really makes a difference.
Also, if the watery consistency is off putting, try soaking half your oats in water the night before. They’ll absorb a lot of the water and be thicker. You can also strain water through oats (use a tea towel if you have nothing else - muslin cloths are good if you have any from baby days) to make your own oat milk - then make porridge with oat milk. However, this can be a bit “slimy” especially when heated - so if you’re giving it a go, do a trial run with just a handful of oats first in case you don’t like the texture.

@SpookyPumpkinPants - thank you so much. I definitely try to have that attitude although as you say it is not possible 24/7! I don't have any curtains actually, just blinds. Thank you for the tip.

That’s awful, I’m so sorry OP
This is at the same time as a Tory scum MP is defending his right to literally hundreds of thousands of £ for being corrupt - and the rest of his party supporting him.
I voted Tory for many years but stopped after Cameron and Brexit but I will never never do so again while we have these corrupt liars in charge who are so out of touch and are only interested in lining their own pockets while people go hungry.
I’m sorry I don’t have any practical advice to offer but I hope things improve for you

@Cocomarine - thank you I'll try soaking the oats.

@Hoppinggreen - thank you - your well wishes mean a lot!

If you need warm winter coats for your DCs please send me a message. I have lots of coats going spare, and happy to send them you for free. All in lovely. Also, goes for if you need anything. I have coats too that I don't wear. PM me If you'd like.

[quote UndertheCedartree]@SpookyPumpkinPants - thank you so much. I definitely try to have that attitude although as you say it is not possible 24/7! I don't have any curtains actually, just blinds. Thank you for the tip.[/quote]
If you have curtain poles throw any blankets you have over them and tuck them up onto the windowsill. If they slide off the poles try a hair bobble round each end or if you have any masking tape/sellotape.

In the evenings we try and stick to one room to reduce the amount of heat we need in the rest of the house. Currently it’s the living room but I’m planning on moving a sofa and the tv into the dining room because it’s a warmer room. Its much smaller and It’s in the middle of the house and has no window, just an archway into the kitchen so insulated and less heat escaping. It also gets the heat from the kitchen from cooking. I leave the oven door open after dinner to warm the room.

Fingers crossed for your PIP, OP, that will make a big difference.

Re porridge, I have found that porridge seems creamier when cooked very slowly over a low heat. Half skimmed milk and half water is fine if it's done slowly.

So sorry for everyone who's struggling. Benefits are disgustingly low, and the latest changes to UC will only help those who can work, while doing nothing for those who can't because of illness, disability or caring responsibilities.

I’m so sorry OP. The uplift should never have been removed. This government is disgusting.

@Bingomangoes

Still so many in this country that don't realise this is the daily reality for many people. No one in the UK should have to worry about having enough to eat.

Or heating their homes in winter.

This is a shameful state of affairs - the vulnerable, particularly children and the elderly, are at huge risk. What a dreadful, miserable, interminable winter this will be for many people.

the latest changes to UC will only help those who can work, while doing nothing for those who can't because of illness, disability or caring responsibilities.

The latest change has made me so angry because it will be used to tell struggling people “we have helped, look! We lowered the taper rate, what more do you want.” When, as you say, it does nothing for anyone who can’t work.

Porridge is definitely creamer if cooked over a low heat and stirred constantly - more of the starch comes out which makes a creamy texture.

It is tastier cooked on the hob but cheaper done in the microwave!

Are you on a pay as you go meter?

I've noticed people are starting to empty their cupboards of out of date food packets/tins and leaving it outside for others to take. Keep your eyes peeled. Local action, every little helps.

I grew up like this OP and I would really recommend accessing your local church or faith centre too. They are really helpful- my mum was proud and did some volunteering for them as a payback- but we were so looked after by them.