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Original poster

Shopping while isolated

41 replies

Nomnomarrgh · 27/11/2020 21:16

I’m a single Mum, isolating with dd. We ran out of loo paper and the only way I could see to get more was to spend £25 in Iceland to get something delivered that costs £2. Even then, we have to wait until tomorrow night to get it delivered.

I just can’t stop crying. This is money that I don’t have and haven’t budgeted for. Tried to get help but the assistance line went dead and the gov.uk website just confused me.

I was so tempted just to go out to the shop and I bet lots of people are breaking isolation for just this reason.

OP posts:
Lifeispassingby · 27/11/2020 21:19

Bless you, I’m also isolating but am lucky to have people who can help me get things I need. Do you have anyone who could drop things off to you? Or local FB group with someone who could help you?

Gunpowder · 27/11/2020 21:19

Oh no you poor thing! Do you know any of your neighbours? I’d happily give any of mine a couple of rolls of loo roll, even the ones I don’t know.

Gunpowder · 27/11/2020 21:21

Or maybe call school office and explain? Our schools deliver packages of essentials to anyone in this sort of situation.

MrsPernicious · 27/11/2020 21:21

In many areas the local council is helping organise help.
Facebook is a great place to look for help. Yes even the local "spotted" page.

Gunpowder · 27/11/2020 21:21

Sorry just realised your DD may not be at school yet!

3littlewords · 27/11/2020 21:21

Is there no family or friends you could have called on to drop some essentials off on your doorstep? There is local community groups on my Facebook that will drop off a bag of essentials to isolating families too have you looked online for any of these options?

Lemons1571 · 27/11/2020 21:24

I imagine they are. I looked at the help available when DS was isolating as a contact, in case he developed symptoms and we all had to isolate. It was complicated and confusing - seemed to involve somehow buying vouchers up front for a supermarket and trying to get a code to a volunteer who would use them to buy stuff for you. It looked like a massive faff and not something that anyone would realistically be able to get into I’d they were sick with covid.

For me it would depend on why you are isolating. If one of you has confirmed covid then you need to find a way. If it’s more woolly, eg the app tells you both to isolate because you’ve walked past someone outside with covid, then I’d nip out at a quiet time with a mask, grab the loo roll and get out asap

anniegun · 27/11/2020 21:26

Cant you ask a neighbour if you can borrow a roll or two? Most areas have a support number to call if you have real problems with a volunteer network to help out

Lazypuppy · 27/11/2020 21:26

What about amazon?

Are you SI because you have COVID or because you were a close contact?

Worst comes to worst i would go out late to a tesco express and run in and grab some. If you need something essential and there's no other way you need to get it

Original poster
Nomnomarrgh · 27/11/2020 21:26

I was moved here from a refuge. I have no friends that I can call on and my closest family is 50 miles away. I was too scared to ask the school for help and a little worried they might turn up with that nasty shiny stuff they use in schools

OP posts:
Secretsout · 27/11/2020 21:26

It may not help for last minute situations like this but google Nhs Volunteer responders. They are a group of volunteers working to help those who are isolating and gave no one to get food and medical supplies for them.

Original poster
Nomnomarrgh · 27/11/2020 21:28

I’m isolating because close contact with dd and I have symptoms. I can’t dash out because my dd is positive and is too young to be left alone.

OP posts:
moostermum · 27/11/2020 21:29

I'm a contact tracer, AMA www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4088429-Im-a-contact-tracer-AMA

See this post for help

LindaEllen · 27/11/2020 21:30

I know this is a completely unlikely scenario, but if you're anywhere near Warrington let me know. I'd more than happily help anyone and give you a few rolls if it's making you feel like this. Plus anything else you need x

moostermum · 27/11/2020 21:31

There are a few exceptions to self-isolation and essential food shopping is one of them

PrivateD00r · 27/11/2020 21:33

I understand you have moved from a refuge so maybe you don't post on social media. But if you do, I guarantee posting on facebook will lead to someone wanting to help you. Most areas have some sort of local group, even a buy and sell group if necessary. You have been left in a crappy ( literally Blush ) position here and I am certain people would be happy to help. Just like you would if the tables were turned.

I hope your dd isn't too unwell Flowers

whoami24601 · 27/11/2020 21:33

Have you got the next door app? It's a community app that links you with your neighbours. Loads of people on mine are offering to pick up shopping for people. Could you download it and see what help there is?

rose69 · 27/11/2020 21:34

The nightingale volunteer may be able to help. Their phone line opens at 8am tomorrow. If you are on Facebook can you find if your area has a mutual aid group

whoami24601 · 27/11/2020 21:34

Oh and if you're anywhere near me I'll help!

MrsPernicious · 27/11/2020 21:36

Do not be scared or embarrassed to ask at school. They will help, especially as they will know a bit of your background.
Flowers

3littlewords · 27/11/2020 21:37

Please contact school or a support worker if you have one, whilst they may not be able to help themselves they can refer you to local services in your area who can help you. Join a local community page on Facebook if there is one you'd be surprised at the amount of people who are willing to help out.

Original poster
Nomnomarrgh · 27/11/2020 21:38

Thank you everyone. Not near Warrington, but will try to get my head around some of the other things.

I don’t exist on social media due to ex.

OP posts:
MrsPernicious · 27/11/2020 21:46

Invent a new you for social media.
No RL photos, hidden friend's list, it is possible

thesandwich · 27/11/2020 21:50

Contact the refuge- they may have contacts who can help.
Local food bank? Local church?

LindaEllen · 27/11/2020 21:51

@Nomnomarrgh

Thank you everyone. Not near Warrington, but will try to get my head around some of the other things.

I don’t exist on social media due to ex.

It would have been a lovely coincidence if you were!

Where I am, if you go on Just Eat and Uber Eats, some of the local shops (McColls and Bargain Booze) for two will do deliveries. I know McColls will deliver loo rolls, albeit for a small delivery fee. Perhaps have a look at those apps and see if there's anything?

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