Help with food were to go

[rachel5670]

Im really struggling with food and clothes for my two girls we have fled from an abusive reationship and started fresh we r really struggling we are in the houghten le spring area can someone point me in right direction please

Hello lovely. Well done for getting out. You’re a bloody strong woman to do what you’ve done so never forget that.

Clothes, look at free sites on Facebook. You can often post as “anon group member” so people won’t see your name until you message them if you’re worried about your ex finding you.

www.sunderlandinformationpoint.co.uk/kb5/sunderland/directory/service.page?id=FN7mVYnkv90

Info to a local food bank. I’m originally from Gateshead so had to have a quick scan for you. Hopefully some locals will be along soon with lore info. Have a quick google for other food banks.

Are you claiming all you can re: benefits?

Its really hard we have no family so this is the last option only thing is ive got a broken leg of my ex partner so it would have to be very local as ill struggle to get there honeslty its a nightmare and thank you very much

Are you being supported by Women’s Aid or similar?

I'm sort of near you but near if that makes sense.

Have you got Facebook? There's a LOT of help on there, people will help with food, housing items the lot. It's a good community. X

Im not being supported no in in the middle of getting my benifits put into a new account as we had a joint account before and i dont reay want to put anything on facebook do u no of any groups..its jist basicly clothes for my 9 and 12 year old just to get buy he litrelly destroyed everything im just trying to move on im just struggling for food till i get my benifits paid into new bank should take around a week

Have a look on Mums in Durham on Facebook (I know houghton is on the way out) often I see posts on there about food and clothing banks.

I know you don't want to use Facebook but some areas have very active "freebay" groups on Facebook where people give things for free. My local one has a day a week where people can post requests. Very often it's an Admin posting on behalf of an anonymous group member in similar circumstances to yours. They get inundated with offers of help.

You can post anonymously too on the group so if you put an appeal on people would comment and then you could private msg anyone that offers help.

The food bank info above has a phone number, I know that some will deliver if you are unable to get to them.

Check any loyalty card for points, if you shop in Tesco then download the Clubcard app and you can change your points to vouchers even if it's not time for your quarterly statement.

I will try this thank u very much

Mums in Durham group, you can make an anoymous post and pm people who offer help,

They'll be tons of mums offering to help x

Ive just done that thank you i feel so low asking for help i really do ...this is not like me

Hello everyone

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. We strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon.

Its ok im not begging for money i dont want peoples money just help to get pointed in right direction thanks

Your local citizens advice should know what local support is available,and can help check benefits now you're a single adult household.

Local churches can be amazing with stuff like this even if you aren't religious, it's worth speaking to them and just asking if they have any schemes or support available as you'd be grateful for any help while things are so tough.

Have a look to see if there are any Community Fridges in your area. You could also download the Olio app to see if anyone is redistributing food in your area.
I agree with others about speaking to Citizens Advice, they may be aware of funding you can apply for and make sure you're getting all of the benefits you're entitled to. Local churches are a good call too. Also see if Home Start operate in your area.

Thank you everybody

This is a 'pay as you feel' mini market run from Great Lumley Methodist Church if you can manage to get there www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063997452196. They get food from local shops including Greggs, co-op and Morrisons. I think it is quite popular so you have to be there for 2pm when it opens.

There is also a cafe in Chester le Street called Re-fuse and they do big boxes of near dated food for £15 most days, all good quality stuff.

Heron frozen foods in Houghton and Shiney Row is really cheap for stuff too.

Oh I just remembered Feeding Families www.facebook.com/UKfeedingfamilies a local charity that makes up hampers from donations in the local area. The applications will open soon. It will be delivered just before Christmas so you will get a full Christmas meal plus treats.

If you are near any coffee shops/Gregg’s or restaurants download apps, Olio or Too Good To Go. They give away food that hasn’t sold.

As pp have said churches will help and Citizens Advice.

Well done for getting out, good luck for the future.

https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/19955/Coalfields-Get-help-and-advice

Also if you are struggling for clothes, do let your children’s schools know. Most schools have a second hand uniform supply.

Where have you fled to? If it is a refuge, don't worry, there will be help and support there.
If it is a B&B, where the police or social services have placed you, get back in touch and tell them that you have no food.
Is there no family member about at all?

Where are you now, op?