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Original poster

council housing and depression go hand in hand·

28 replies

tiffanyparisx · 07/01/2014 15:21

Since I'm new on here, I'll start with a big hello to everybody on here. I wasn't too sure where to post this but as my situation digs me into a deeper hole of depression every day I thought it would be fitting to post here. In advance, I'm very sorry for the rambling.

I have a two year old daughter and a 7 month old son, my local council refused to place me in a b&b until April 2013, since then I have been from b&b to b&b and the council have even placed me in one that wasn't available to live in, after they gave me the number to call and book in, I called and was informed by the landlord that there were leakage problems and he told the woman who booked me in that I couldn't move in that day. So I was left without anywhere to stay.

My local council refuse to let me speak to my housing advisor and continue to keep me in b&b 's. I know of a few people who have been housed straight into a flat without being in b&b 's, one of which has a family friend at the council. Me and my children have no routine and its making my life hell. I feel so helpless and depressed. What's worse is, I am completely helpless. All I want is a home, I guess I was just wondering if anyone else has had any of these problems or knows of anything I can do. I need helppppp. Thank you for your time and impeccable ability to read a long depression post.

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 07/01/2014 15:28

Can you ask about the rent guarantee/deposit scheme and look for a private rental?

stargirl1701 · 07/01/2014 15:31

Have you spoken to anyone at the Citizens' Advice Bureau?

NigellasDealer · 07/01/2014 15:34

rent a place in the private sector then, the local council will have information about bond schemes etc., surely they will let you see a housing advisor?

Original poster
tiffanyparisx · 07/01/2014 15:34

I probably could but members of my family private rent and are frequently being told that they need to move out because the landlords are selling. Plus the lha round here is much less than the places charge

OP posts:
Original poster
tiffanyparisx · 07/01/2014 15:36

And I've asked to speak to my housing advisor but the council tell me he doesn't deal with what I need to speak about :(

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 07/01/2014 15:38

Have you just been evicted from a private rental? This should make you priority.

Are you in London if housing benefit doesn't cover it?

MurderOfGoths · 07/01/2014 15:39

Shelter are pretty good on this stuff, they might be able to help/advise

ProfondoRosso · 07/01/2014 15:40

Hi tiffany, I think first things first, if you feel your mental health has been affected by what's happening, and that you're struggling to function, you must tell your doctor. A GP prescribing you meds or referring you for therapy won't change your financial/housing situation, but these things can help you feel stronger, more confident and prepared to find your way into a better situation. Hope things start looking up for you soon.

Original poster
tiffanyparisx · 07/01/2014 15:43

@lauriefairycake I haven't been evicted. I'm scared to even go down the private renting route. I am in london

OP posts:
Original poster
tiffanyparisx · 07/01/2014 15:48

Thank you, I am going to make an appointment I've just been low on energy and motivation

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 07/01/2014 16:21

Where were you before? Confused

Have the council said that you are a priority?

Could you ask to stay in the same B and B instead of having to move on?

Original poster
tiffanyparisx · 07/01/2014 16:34

I lived in a 2 bedroom flat with me, my dad and my daughter before the b&bs. I am a priority but i have to bid on locata, which is mainly 1 bedroom flats

OP posts:
SilverStars · 07/01/2014 16:56

Are you able to return to work after maternity leave and then manage to find private rental? Or is living its family an option until you find somewhere you like? Would living me family be better for you than a B and B, as at least then you would have cooking facilities etc?

SilverStars · 07/01/2014 16:58

If you are wanting help and support for your children speaking to your HV or any HV would be a good place to start. They may have support groups for you to join. They can tell you of lots of free activities that you can get to in your area to give you somewhere to go, something to do and toys for your children to play with.

SilverStars · 07/01/2014 16:59

Oh and another thought if you on a low income there is free funding available for 2 and over, again worth asking your HV if that is an option for you?

LIZS · 07/01/2014 17:03

could you not manage in a 1 bed , got to be preferable to b & b ? did you move out of the previous flat voluntarily , what of the dc father ?

HappyMummyOfOne · 07/01/2014 17:06

You either need to wait it out and put up with the B&Bs or take matters into your own hands and rent privately. Can you return from maternity leave a bit earlier and together with your child maintainance you will have an idea of the rent you can afford and match to area etc.

Theres little point moaning when not actually doing anything proactive and expecting life to be handed to you on a plate.

Original poster
tiffanyparisx · 07/01/2014 17:06

I've bid on 1 beds but am in the 100s, I've been accepted for 2 year funding for my daughter and I was moved out of my dad's flat because it was over crowded. The father is in jail and I wouldn't want help from him due to previous dv

OP posts:
SilverStars · 07/01/2014 17:09

Good you got free childcare for your dd for the set hours. Why not talk to your HV about some support groups for you?

LIZS · 07/01/2014 17:12

I wouldn't have thought that a 2 bed would be deemed overcrowded with even 4 people in it . Do they have you down as having made yourself homeless by doing so ? Do you have a social worker or gp who can support your application ? Can you raise a deposit to go privately ?

SoonToBeSix · 07/01/2014 17:23

A two bed would be overcrowded as. her dad would need a room , the op, and the dc.
Also don't think the op is moaning that's quite unkind.

NigellasDealer · 07/01/2014 18:30

Theres little point moaning when not actually doing anything proactive and expecting life to be handed to you on a plate
that is really not a nice or helpful thing to say to someone in the position that the OP describes. how would she have 'child maintanance' or 'maternity leave' if her exP is in jail?

Original poster
tiffanyparisx · 07/01/2014 19:21

I'm not "moaning" I was simply asking if anyone has been in my situation or knows if I can do anything to help my situation. And the 2 bed was overcrowded because the rooms were both smaller than a box room and the front room was also the kitchen. But don't worry, I won't be "moaning" anymore

OP posts:
NigellasDealer · 07/01/2014 19:35

tiffany I am sure there is something you can do - go to the council offices with your children and demand to see a housing officer?

JakeBullet · 07/01/2014 19:46

Oh don't mind HappyMummy, as always she is overflowing with innate sensitivity.

Right then OP, you are in London which is hell if you are waiting for social housing.
Is there any possibility of moving to another part of the country which is less pressured and where you might find private rented property?

If not then it might be a case of waiting it out but being prepared for a long wait. Speak to Shelter too as they will give you up to date advice on how you can find somewhere permanently.

Not sure if you work or not (would imagine it is hard to find and keep work if you are constantly being moved around) but if you do work then private landlords are more likely to let to you....although you would need more than a one bed flat as I doubt a landlords insurance would cover a let of a one bed place to a family with two children.

Speak to your HV and GP, get support with your reactive depression, living like this must be very difficult.

Finally keep in mind that this won't be forever, life changes, children grow and you won't be in B&Bs forever.