I have recently escaped from a violent husband with my 3 young children (under 7).
We are living in a small refuge and I'm so happy we are safe you would not believe.
I have made a claim for Income Support and Housing Benefit already and I have requested Tax Credit forms (not yet arrived).
I have phoned child benefit and they said they'd call me back if they needed any more info ( no call yet...)
I have used the Foodbank once already (arrived Friday) as we arrived with very little money as we had to run away. I can go twice more then that's it. I also have to bring the food back to the refuge by taxi (£5) as I can't manage it with 3 children / buggy / pregnant.
I have a meeting with a school on Friday so hopefully eldest can start on Monday but I have to get him some shoes (refuge have given the rest of the uniform to me). Have tried charity shops but nothing.
I can't claim a budgeting loan because I haven't been on benefits for over 26 weeks.
Am I missing something / anything?! Is there any short term help for women escaping from DV?
I feel bad asking the refuge staff as they have been amazing so far they have given us clothes, food, toiletries, nappies, wipes you name it. But I am running out of a lot of stuff now and I don't want to keep asking them as I know their supplies are limited and there are other families in need.
Grateful for any advice.