Support

[lavent]

Looking for advice / support on having 4 young DC.

I'm in a difficult situation, alone, no family/friends as recently moved to escape DV.

Money is tight as I'm not currently working but I would like to start thinking about part-time work at Easter if I can find a suitable childcare solution. Easier said than done though!

It's not really the energy provider's fault tbf I am on quite a good deal (and there's a £50 penalty to leave) I just haven't put any money aside
It's not too bad though £140 for 3 months. Don't know how that compares to others.... I guess all our bathing uses a fair amount of gas

is that for gas or elec or both?

also did you hear about fuel poverty workers, most (if not all) energy companies have one and they can often get you money off your bills if you're on a very low income and your circumstances allow. You have to make a special application online but you might get your bill reduced or even deleted!

Both....

"workers" should probably say "schemes"

There was a scheme I applied for a few weeks back before the baby arrived. Warm homes or something.... I think I will get that at some point off my bill so that will help when it's cold.

Just checked in as see you have done loads in the last few weeks!

the warm homes discount scheme is different to the fuel poverty scheme - the former is the £140ish credit, the latter is specific help if you're struggling to pay fuel bills due to low income and / or situations, it can also help with white goods etc

might be worth checking out fuel poverty help for your particular energy supplier.

they do grants and money off existing bills rather than a general credit amount.

i think maybe the EDF energy trust is what you need:

www.edfenergytrust.org.uk/

I don't think you even need to be an EDF customer but if I am wrong about that then maybe research about your current supplier.

yes, just checked and it says they help you clear gas / elec bills even for other suppliers.

Hmm yes I've had a look but I think they'd look at my bank statements and see the money from the budgeting loan and think what the hell was she thinking buying a car

honestly, I don't think you need to worry about that, there's bound to be a box you can explain it in details (e.g. you have four kids, at three different schools including a newborn) - a car is an essential! (plus it was a loan, not money in the bank)

these schemes are surprisingly helpful and understanding about circumstances (they have helped several people I know) so it's at least worth a try...

Ok I will start collecting documents....

How are you doing? When does school restart ?

Just checking your all OK school starts in one more week nephrofox. I'm counting down the days too!

I'm doing ok thx....

School starts on 7th so nearly there!

It's a slow transition for my reception-er though (3 weeks!) and no lunch until 2nd week I think - annoying.
Likewise my 2 yr old has to do some settle sessions before he can start his 2.5 days - hopefully he will settle ok. It's a lovely nursery

Finally got washing out to dry today! Going to start washing bedding shortly as more rain forecast for the weekend.

I found it annoying when dds started school that they dont start full time. Ds has got a couple of years yet, hes starting nursery school as well as his private nursery next week. Ekk.

Lavent you are so organised!!

Yes it is annoying as he's SO ready for full time school! Plus he's constantly eating at the moment!!!!!

I do try to be quite organised yes it helps me stay on top of things!

It's good to be organised just got back from a busy day at safari Park. Do you have any plans for the last week of the holidays?

Doing dinner half an hour early as the DC are "starving"

I was going to do a day out this weekend but everywhere is just so expensive I think we'll just go to the park tomorrow instead.

The 2 older ones have a new reward chart and are working towards a trip to soft play so that might happen next week if they get enough stars!

Reward charts a great idea! Is the nanny still coming to help?

Yes she's coming Tue/Wed/Thu - not sure if its the last week next week as the SW had mentioned some help in the mornings for the first week back at sch but we'll see!

Hi how are you lavent? What horrid weather!

Hello!

Weather is bloody awful!

Not sure why but been feeling overly anxious the past couple of days. Nothing new just worrying myself about silly things really. I can't help it

I'm going to have a good tidy up of the kitchen when DC3 naps!