Where to turn

[Greeneggsandham124]

When you’ve exhausted all options, where actually do you turn to? I haven’t got any money left, I’ve used food banks, but I’m now at the end of my tether, what good am I as a mother if I can’t even provide?
I actually don’t know what to do anymore, I don’t know the point of this post really I just need help and I know I can’t continue like this.

Is he able to look after your child to save on child care?

Sorry you’re struggling OP, definitely worth a chat with local Citizens Advice or social worker if you have one. Depending on the age of your child, chat to health visitor as well. There are quite a few community fridge/kitchen type set ups where we are, no referral required, but not very well publicised so you probably wouldn’t even know they were there unless someone told you.

Here's a list of benevolent funds:

britainexplained.com/list-of-benevolent-funds/

Debt advice (free):

www.communitymoneyadvice.com/freedom-from-debt/find-a-centre

Have a look in your local area for food banks/community share to see what they have available.

Also, there are swap/eco shops for clothes etc for the kids.

Have you applied for PIP for your husband? Try and find a local charity to help with the form filling. In the meantime, ask for copies of his medical records, and any letters from professionals about his health. So that it doesn't delay fhe process.

They may well refuse the first time, but tou need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration and tribunal.

Call them today to get the process started.

www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim

This is something we have been discussing - and hopefully he will be able to

Is it short term illness, or is he likely to be off for an extended time? Wondering if he’s well enough to take on some of the childcare, but obviously if he’s likely to go back to work relatively soon, you won’t want to lose your childcare place.

I was wondering also if you have family or friends who would help. I know it’s not nice to have to ask, but people nearly always want to help once they’re aware you’re going through a rough time. Even if just buying some bags of groceries, or dropping off a meal.

Im really sorry you’re going through this

Do you have family could help you?

There are several "food waste reduction apps"
Olio & others
Too Good To Go
Free food & non food items

Also community pantrys where you can fill a bag for a set price

Really good advice on here - can you give the general area you are in because people might be able to make some more specific suggestions? If you’re in Wales I can definitely signpost to some brilliant places. I’m so sorry you are going through this by the way, it’s so hard, it’s so rough, but by asking for help you are already on the way to improving things, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. You’re doing brilliantly, keep going, it won’t be like this forever.

If partner is not working
Can he claim LWCRA & you claim carers
You should receive extra money on top of your usual universal credit.
Suggest ask your universal credit contact first or put into your journal

Or try Citizens Advice for benefit check if he is not working

Do you have a local credit union or if you work in certain industries there are credit unions who can help or advise

Some places offer discounts if you work in a blue light industry this is people who work in hospitals, care homes, ambulance, fire etc
You need to apply for a discount card

Would you be able to claim more in UC / benefit if it was you in the house as the sole adult?

Really sorry it’s all on your shoulders.