Life is falling apart

[Sunflower300719]

Hand hold needed. Really struggling at the moment. I’m a single parent to a 2 year old, I love her to bits but she is hard work sometimes. Our house is inhabitable, boiler constantly breaking down, nothing gets fixed, I am depressed, struggling with finances, moved out of my home town to be closer to my parents but I have no friends and my daily life is just the same thing everyday. if things couldn’t worse my mum is having to go for tests and they have mentioned possible cancer due to her symptoms of 3 months and weight loss. I just feel as though my life is falling apart and I don’t know what to do

You’ll be ok OP. Better advice will be along soon.

If you are on universal credit then look into boiler grants.

Thank you. Sorry forgot to mention I am renting privately. The house itself is lovely but it is absolutely freezing, my electricity bill is through the roof because of using electric heaters. This is the 3rd time the boiler has broken down, I’ve been waiting since the end of October

There's amazing charity
www.depher.co.uk/
Please contact them about your boiler. Don't be put off by the front page of website, they genuinely help whoever they can. Even if you're not local to them they will try and find someone.

Oh OP no advice but just wanted to give you a virtual hug. I understand the struggles and drudgery of life with toddlers, and I hope everything is ok with your mum.

Sorry you're having such a hard time. I really hope you're mum is OK. During moments like this I think all you can really do is focus on getting through the day, just on the here and now.

On the house front, I used to roll up towels and put those in front of doors to keep draughts out. I had electric radiators too, which were rubbish so just bought a small portable heater for the main room and stuck with hot water bottles in the bedrooms and as soon as I could all the curtains would be closed to keep the heat in. Hopefully some of that you could try if you haven't already.

Can you not go on the council housing list and ring someone about advice when you home is not suitable for you and your child. X

Not sure how things work in your area but could a call to the Health Visiting team help? The Health Visitors in our area have connections with local charities. Worth a try.

If you are having persistent problems with your heating, or anything else that makes your home hazardous, and your landlord in not responding quickly, contact the environmental health team at your council. They can serve the landlord with an improvement notice, and you are protected from eviction for a year after the notice has been served, so you don't have to worry about revenge eviction.

Get back to your landlord - 3 months is too long to get a boiler fixed, particularly in the winter months. I'd get it in writing (e mail will do) and id expect a rent reduction to help cover your higher bills as a result of the broken boiler. An inefficient old boiler can increase your costs.

Oil heaters are good, cheaper. They plug in but are more efficient than the fan electric ones. Make sure they are away from 2 year old though. I know that's hard to do. You will get free nursery hours soon and that time to yourself will be invaluable. Find a nice one you like the vibe of and register now ahead of time.
Pick your battles with your dc. They cant reason yet. Dont back down when you do decide to say no though. And offer a choice between two things, not totally open choices. Ie. Do you want weetabix or porridge for breakfast? Not, what would you like for breakfast? Makes them feel a bit of control without it all going off the rails.