Can anyone offer any advise?

[Tinkywinkeyshat]

Currently up the creek without a paddle, my savings and left over income have Gone on repairing my car, which I need for work, I get paid at the end of next week so all is not lost however, I contacted my utility provider and they gave me an additional voucher for my PAYG gas and electricity,I'm now on the emergancy and panicking about what happens when it runs out as I have 0 available in the bank

I spoke my my local council and they said because I work and do not fit their crisis criteria they can't help and I'm now worried about how we will eat/wash clothes etc with no electricity

Does anyone have any suggestions of what I can try? I dOnt have anything to sell either 😪

I didn't think you were a troll - the decision to eat or heat is currently a reality for many x

Thankyou, honestly today has been so tough feel like the world's worst mum - I work so we can have a better life but feels we are just existing and it is mentally exhausting 😪
X

Where are you Op?

I'm in the south West

If you have been saving any tesco clubcard points towards days out you can use them for food shopping. If you no longer have the physical vouchers you can spend your vouchers online towards an online food shop.

I haven't used it myself but there are often codes for a 'free' food box with Gousto etc. Perhaps someone else knows if they are really "free" or how much thx postage is.

Not all food banks/food share need a referral. Try to find out about local ones (googling/asking on local Facebook site etc)

I assume you don't have a credit card or overdraft? Could you ask the bank for a small over draft?I think sometimes there is a £100 "buffer zone" in your bank. Worth asking.

Can you tell the utility company you need to run a debt on the meter for a week as you have no money and have children? See if they can help.

My local leisure centre has food for kids that you can just take. Might be worth a phone call to see if any of yours do it too.

I don't have many tesco points sadly, going to call my gas and electricity supplier tommorow (they weren't open when tried after work) ,have put a request on my universal credit journel for food bank voucher and discovered there is a food club at my local children's centre on a Thursday so going to go along there too! Thanks for the suggestions, unfortunately I don't have an account that would allow an overdraft but it OK as I would rather not accrue any debt when I only have 5 days left to go!

Yes I have a code for a completely free hello fresh box, but I'd need your email address OP so understand if you'd rather not give it x

Have you tried the Olio app ? If you’re desperate you could try Freecycle too.

Food bank referral, and have a look at community fridge, fair share and pay what you can cafe afford cafes.

Try and find a Trussell Trust Foodbank, as they will sign post to organisations that can help. They will know how to access the hardship fund in your local area. Call and ask them how to get a parcel.

Salvation Army may also be able to help, depending on what support they have in your area. Also ask your health visitor, as they will be able to let you know what is available locally.

If you are a member of a Union, they may have a harsshoo fund/emergency grant. Also look at what benevolent funds are available for people in your type of work.

Citizens Advice for fuel - use the online contact form as phone lines are often busy. Also Google energy redress, fuel support in your local areas.

As youve got older kids you could contact the school nurse too. They don’t just work term time.

Have you checked of there's a cheaper water rate than you can be put on? Some water companies have a cheaper rate for those on benefits and those with 3 or more children.

Also consider a social tariff for broadband for a month or so, until you are over this blip.

Not sure if you are hear me but in n Somerset they have vouchers for utilities through the food bank and we have excellent community fridges/tables with completely free food, they have more than they can use and have begged me to take perishable food (I work next door), I think they have £10 energy cards too.

I have a hello box referral code too, free

Could you offer to do some baby sitting for someone ?

Ironing?
Sorry op
Been there it's total shit

But it will pass

Might not save you much, but unless it's really greasy like something roasted or fried, washing up can be done in cold water. A strip wash and then occasionally some shampoo on your hair with a few jugfalls of water will get you by keeping reasonably clean.

Not sure what store cupboard stuff you have in, but mumsnet is great for giving you ideas for cheaper meals or what you can put with what.

If you don't feel you can be honest re money, telling someone you're washing machine has broken down to get some essentials done - you can offer to do them a favour in return.

To save petrol, obviously only use the car for work and anything that really can't be done on foot.

Thanks so much for your tips!

Waiting a call back regarding a food bank voucher and my gas and electricity company came out and put 10 emergancy electric on for me to day , roll on Monday!

Olio near me is always posting bread that goes out of date tomorrow. Would be good for pack lunches for the kids. I think they have food waste heroes set up, so they collect from the supermarket at 9pm and quickly post on Olio to get rid of it before midnight. Hmm maybe that doesn't work if you are home with 3 kids in bed. But worth checking definitely!

Ye I keep missing the olio bits, I do keep looking tho!!!

Call your local council switchboard, and ask for their Household Support Fund. This is money supplied by government to local councils to help those impacted by energy and cost of living crises.

I think you normally get £64 for an individual adult, plus an additional £10 for each dependent. They text you a code to take to your local post office to receive a cash payment.

Please explain you have no food, and are unable to top up your prepay meters.

I'm so sorry I can't be of any further help.

Good luck. 💐

Contacted my local council today regarding this and I don't meet their criteria to claim it apparently 🤦‍♀️they sent me a text to confirm my application was not accepted

I'm really sorry OP, and also a bit baffled tbh. Our local council has made a point of advertising it's for helping anyone struggling in the current climate, whether working or not. I would happily help you myself, only am bed bound on benefits so probably have about as much money as you! It's a shame you don't live closer as I at least have a full fridge and cupboards at the moment, and would happily share.😕

Same here! Especially as they noted they would help people in a fuel/food poverty crisis but not when it comes down to it apparently !!
Their message stated I do not meet their criteria for an emergancy assistance !

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