I seriously need help

[JenNtonic]

Hi everyone. Hope all’s well.
over the past week, nearly two I’ve worked my way through all of our food.
please note this isn’t begging. I’ve had to pay for an emergency regarding my son that was unavoidable. I should add that he is now with his father so it’s just me in the house.
I have £1.27 electric which I know won’t go until 9am tomorrow.
I have googled Trussell trust and church feeds but none are over my end of the city.
I have even gone through the rice, the custard, just everything. Does anyone know of an emergency food service /bank that delivers or that I could walk to, that’s open on a Sunday ? I will take and accept anything I feel really quite ill now.
I get paid on the 3rd (Fri) so it’s just a tiny bit longer but I’ve been hungry for about 2 weeks now. I’m in south Wales
I know it’s my fault for not saving etc but I’ve been off my anti depressants the last two months and evidently, it was too soon as I’m not coping.
any advice gratefully received and thanks in advance to all xX

It’s practical though. Once the OP clarified, lots of suggestions were forthcoming. Practical help is better than empathy.

It can be said in a way that acknowledges someone’s struggles.

I think it’s impossible to tell tone from a sentence on the internet. It resulted in practical help being offered.

I know this doesn't help immediately, but moving forward, it would be really worth finding your local food pantry and shopping there regularly. Sometimes they're called food clubs / hubs and with some you have to book a slot online. Others are just like a small shop that you can just go into and they'll also advertise that day's bargains on their facebook page. Generally, it's around a fiver for 12 items, £10 for 25 etc. They're not foodbanks, no referral's needed and they're not means tested - the emphasis being on saving money by preventing food waste as some things are close to their sell by date, although still perfectly fine to still eat, freeze etc. They usually have staples like tea, coffee, pasta, rice etc etc too. Some of those places also run courses on budgeting and there's often freebies as they have too many of certain items that day.They're total gamechangers in how to eat well for so much less. Good luck x

If you're anywhere near the Hari Krishna centre (Krishna Cymru, Ty Krishna Cymru Bay View House, 102 Bute St) they do a Sunday feast from 3 to 5pm. They suggest making a donation, but you don't have to pay if you can't.

Glad you're sorted now. I echo what other people have said avout Churches and foodbanks. One of the pastors at All Nations church used to leave food in crates out side in his house in Crystal Glen. Bread amd potatoes etc.

Salvation Army? A friend?

Outrageous in this country that you should have to suffer this.

If your child is less than 5 years old you can contact your health visitor and if school age the school nurses they can do a food bank voucher. You can also contact your local family hub they can help.

can you do any extra work? Offer up babysitting, cleaning, cat sitting or dog walking on local groups. Sell absolutely anything. There are a few threads on here for trying to earn a few quid from surveys etc - enough to get you a loaf & some beans.

I've been where you are. I've gone days without eating and gone without heating for weeks. I know what it's like. I've also donated to people online before but now I'm saving and so won't be doing that anymore, sorry.

Are you receiving all the universal credit you are entitled to?
You got a lecci voucher so that's good.
Get regular food bank top ups which you should apply for tomorrow.

You need to put a small emergency fund away, even a fiver a month will see you through the very difficult times.

Find a credit union and surrender your child benefit. Then take your first loan which you won't see repayments because they simply keep using a portion of your child benefit. This will kickstart your finances. Put a buffer in your bank account, pay off any high interest debts or cards that you CAN USE AGAIN soon. So for example pay off a credit card and keep the card for emergencies.

Ensure you are on token payments with your other debts.

The credit union is what will save you long-term. I get my loan every 6 months and now have thousands in savings and a grand every 6 months for home improvements and things.

You need to keep tweaking. Like I say above I've gone hungry and am now in a position better than most people in the country, financially.

I’m so glad you got yourself sorted. Sending a big hug x

Do you have access to PayPal credit if you have PayPal? Iceland and other supermarkets do accept PayPal but you could put it on there if you can? Then you can pay it over a few weeks/months. I honestly do hope things get better for you my love. Please hold on a little longer. If you can, post on your local Facebook group (or ask the admin to post). I have helped out mums with food shopping multiple times over the years that way xx

Have you only read the opening post??

ring your electric company and explain circus they have to help out
can child stay at dads untill things are better or does he live there p[ermantly
also ring out of hours social services or doctor ads out of hours doctor can also do emergency referral
also this gonna sound harsh but did you know your circumstances on Friday surely you could have sourced help then
moist churches have a food bank may he;lp out in an emergency I would pop along to a service and ask for help

Just the first 2 pages of comments that loaded on my phone I think xx

Pleased you are ok.

What have you managed to access?
Useful for others and there may be advice here to guide you in the longer term, once today is over.

My GP surgery collects food for those in need. Maybe give yours a ring tomorrow? Meanwhile I'm sure a neighbour will be able to loan you a couple of tins - you can replace them when you get your money.

Sorry, I see you updated to say you're sorted. Good!

Please try asking at your local supermarkets. They may have food they can't sell because of the sell by date that they can give you.

I sympathise as I was in your shoes during Covid after losing my job. I remember have to live on 40p packets of custard creams as it was all I could afford and having to walk everywhere in order to save the £1.50 bus fare. One time I broke down in tears at the checkout in Aldi because I suddenly found myself not having enough money to pay for my shopping. The situation seemed hopeless. An older gentleman behind me suddenly handed his credit card to the cashier and said 'I'll pay for this woman's shopping.' Don't give up hope. There is kindness in this world.

Now I am working and everything has turned around and those days are behind me.

I wish you love and luck. Chin up. You'll come out of this.

Well done for asking for help it takes alot of courage , glad you are sorted and continue to accept help to get you back on track

This. Sikh Temples, especially in large towns and cities will offer meals to anyone calling in. They will not try to proselytise you in any way. Hospitality to strangers is a part of their culture.

I’m really glad you’ve got sorted OP.

Slightly off topic, but the number of people suggesting the Sikh temple shows how brilliant multi culturalism is for our countries.

Have you got s kindly neighbour you could explain the situation to....even ifvyou only got dome soup and bread or something

I live in Cardiff West. Try the Dusty Forge. They have a food bank.

Please send me a message if you’re struggling on Tuesday. Riverside Community Centre have a pantry, it’s £6 for a shop and you get loads.