I’m can’t afford to survive

[Bozlem80]

Hi, I lost my job in May of this year, the company didn’t have enough orders so a few of were let go, since then I’ve applied for JSA, to say I’m struggling is an understatement, I can barely afford to feed myself, I’ve cancelled all direct debits resulting in me being even more in debt than I was before I lost my job, currently I have 4p to last me until a week on Wednesday providing I get my JSA, I’ve applied for numerous jobs, I live on my own, my ex is also wanting the house back we share, I will get some money from this as I’m being taken off the mortgage, I’m selling everything I can think of just to buy food things that had such sentimental value to me but I have no choice, so added to that I will be made homeless too, I literally can’t afford to survive anymore, everything is getting on top of me, I’ve tried to ring companies I owe money too but they are insistent I pay them something I don’t have anything that’s the problem, I joke with friends I can’t even afford to top myself but there are some days I actually just feel like I don’t want to be here anymore because I just can’t find a way out. Sorry for the rant.

I have no advice apart from I’m in the same boat. Everyday is a choice between electric / gas and food. Other bills don’t get paid. I’m on UC which doesn’t even cover bill payments

That's an awful situation to find yourself in. Can you see if you can contact an organisation like Christians Against Poverty? They help people in financial distress, and I hope they may find a route to help you.

Have you tried a food bank?

It must be so hard to be in this situation. I really feel for you. I would try and tackle some of the issues here by

applying for universal credit if you haven’t already
go on the council waiting list and list as being made homeless
contact local food banks and food pantries to help get food at very low prices/free
go into local shops/restaurants/hotels and ask for work. Many places are hiring and it would be a start whilst you sought other work you might want more

Try and stay positive, it must be hard but there will be a way

That sounds really awful. You can't afford to survive on 4p so I'd contact the dwp and say you have nothing and you need help. With any debt ask if they can freeze it. I once had to freeze credit card debt for 6 months with Nationwide and they were really helpful.
Is there any family that can help you until you get on your feet? Sorry probably not helpful, I just didn't want to ignore your post.

Can you take on any kind of casual work?? Fast food places, put an ad out on Facebook ?

Change bank accounts for some money perhaps?

Every single pub and cafe in this town are advertising for staff. It won’t make you rich but might keep the wolf from the door in the short term. Hugs. Is hard

Can you apply to restaurants? I got dressed in black trousers and top, and turned up at 6:30pm on a saturday night and asked for a trial shift there and then and asked them to hire me at the end of the shift. I had lost my job on the Friday.

You ok @Bozlem80 ? X

Have you tried agencies? Round here you can get factory work via agencies that pays well above NMW, not very exciting but it's not a bad income and can be a gateway to a permanent post.

Can the job centre advise on interview technique/finding work you're most suited to? There's so many vacancies at the moment that you must be able to get something.

Lots of good advice already.

Can you say roughly where abouts you are so that people can signpost you to more specific help?

Are there any food banks or social supermarkets near you? I second CAP. You could also try your local churches, ours is really trying to reach out into the community to help those in need. Speaking to friends and acquaintances it seems like many others are doing the same.

Download the Olio app, collect free food to tide you over. Do you have a community fridge? Which area?

Contact your local CAB they can help with any debts and advise on housing, I’m nearing the end of my debt journey with their help, I got into a rollercoaster of debt with utility bills, rent and daily living expenses, I didn’t have credit cards or any finance, I was stupid and didn’t prioritise my council tax so was constantly paying bailiffs and trying to juggle my other bills that put me in more debt

Do you have a food bank where you live? It might be a temporary solution but means you hopefully won’t have to sell sentimental items to eat.

In our village we have a charity called the hardship fund which is there to help those people in hard times. It is administered by the local church, but local Parish Councillors are on the Committee? It isn’t widely advertised, but perhaps if you have a church nearby your could ask if the same thing applies where you live.

I hope things get better for you quickly.