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Original poster

Don't know who to ask. Hanging on by my fingertips :(

42 replies

LanaDelRay01 · 02/01/2017 20:14

Hi I know this is probably in the wrong place but I couldn't see anywhere specific to my question.
Anyway, sorry if I go on. I dont know what to do anymore :(
Ive had my benefits stopped (ESA, pip, child benefit and child tax credits) as someone reported me for working when I haven't worked in 2 years. Im now under investigation with no end date. I have stage 2 COPD and Fibro so I can't work right now even if I tried.
Anyway, does anyone know if churches do food donations without a referral? I've literally been trying to get hold of someone at the CAB, doctors appointment, health visitor, anyone who can refer me to a food bank since just before Christmas and I can't get hold of anyone e to help. I even went to my local police station to see if they can help but was turned away because they couldn't get hold of anyone at social services.
I have a 3 year old and I've got without food for 4 days just to make sure she has food. It's been toast and jam or cereal for breakfast, cheese or ham sandwich for lunch and soup and bread for dinner for her and I'm so worried that she's loosing weight or is becoming Ill because of me. Shes just started with a cold and I can't help but feel guilty that its all my fault.
I really don't know what to do. I'm so desperate that I'm actually willing to go to the shop and steal some food. I've never felt so low and lost in my life. I'm trying so hard to keep it together but I don't think I can carry on doing it much longer.
I've not seen my family in 5 odd years because we fell out and I've even asked my friends for help, I'd even pay them back once my benefits get started again, but none of them can help. Which I understand as it's an expensive time of year for everyone.
Anyway, I'm trying to find if churches do food donations without a referral but I can't find much online.
Sorry for the long post, but thank you for reading x

OP posts:

AndNowItsSeven · 03/01/2017 22:38

Pip is an in work benefit so that won't have been stopped neither will child benefit.
Also pretty unlikely that tax credits would be stopped as well as that's hmrc and they are separate from dwp.
When are your payments next due ?

gamerchick · 03/01/2017 22:41

Pip isn't means tested and child benefit wouldn't have been stopped either. ESA and housing benefit maybe.

Are you sure you just don't have a problem with your bank?

MNHQ

CarolineMumsnet · 04/01/2017 08:49

We do advise all our members to be aware that not everyone on t'internet is who they say they are, and that, although we're awed daily by the astonishing support our members give each other through life's trickier twists and turns, we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster, emotionally or financially, than they can afford to spare.

Original poster

LanaDelRay01 · 04/01/2017 12:52

Sorry for not replying sooner. I get it all paid into a post office card account that the jb center set up for me. As for my payments, they were due on the 7th December, and I've not had anything since. Cb and CTC keep saying that there's been a change in circumstances when there's not and can't tell me hat the change is, a few days later I get a letter saying I'm being investigated and that I have to attend an interview about it December 23rd. HB are wanting a back payment from July and its now 1200 in arrears roughly. That's all I know, I've not worked for 2 years so I've no idea where this is all coming from.

OP posts:

lovelearning · 04/01/2017 15:28

LanaDelRay01

Have you eaten today?

Original poster

LanaDelRay01 · 04/01/2017 17:38

I've managed half a small sandwich that my daughter didn't want but honestly, I feel too anxious to eat. Before, I went to make some soup for her, I went to have a mouthful to make sure it wasn't too hot and I instantly felt knots in my stomach. I don't know why but even just thinking of food or walking into the kitchen is filling me with dread

OP posts:

Gobbolinothewitchscat · 04/01/2017 19:27

lana -

Make an appointment with CAB. It may take a while to get one but at least you will be seen and helped

Email your MP and ask for their help

Get an emergency GP appointment tomorrow or speak to the health visitor for a food bank voucher. HV number should be in your DD's red book or your GP practice can give it to you.

I know this is really stressful but you owe it to you and your DD to do everything you can to get this sorted ASAP. There are people who will help

lovelearning · 05/01/2017 05:42

I feel too anxious to eat

LanaDelRay01

You must seek medical help

Otherwise you could become very ill indeed

Who would look after your daughter then?

Get an emergency GP appointment today

Explain your situation

Your anxiety

Your poor appetite

listsandbudgets · 05/01/2017 09:13

Lovelearning is right. You must eat or you and your dd are both going to end up in a far worse situation.

At the very least get yourself to a church and if there is no one in bang on the door of the vicarage. Otherwise a GP, local commuity centre, your local MP, your local councillor, the CAB, a neighbour - anyone who you can get hold of - everyone is back in work now following the Christmas break. Hit the phones and door steps make sure they know its urgent. People will feed you but they have to know you need to be fed.

So sorry you're in such an awful situation. Don't let pride get in the way of what is most important - looking after your DD and you (and remember if you don't look after you you can't look after her)

QuiteLikely5 · 05/01/2017 09:20

Your local SW department are open and will help, your HV will also help you.

Help is only a phone call away........

CAB will also help you clarify your situation and help get your benefits up and running.

You can apply to the welfare fund for a loan?

timeisnotaline · 05/01/2017 09:21

Please do as everyone says and get an emergency gp appt and call cabs. That is just two actions to get done :) you need to eat for your daughter. Are you near any of the places people have said?

ny20005 · 05/01/2017 20:19

Op did you manage to get some help today ???

llhj · 05/01/2017 21:56

How you doing lovey?

Original poster

LanaDelRay01 · 06/01/2017 19:51

So sorry for not replying sooner, little one has a bad cold and my internet is off so I'm having to use a temperamental openzone spot. Thank you so much for your kind words and advice, I've had some help from a lovely lady today and someone also suggested that if I can't get hold of a gp, HV or social worker then to go to them and don't leave until they help so I'll be doing that on Monday. Again, I'm sorry for not replying sooner and hopefully things will get sorted soon x

OP posts:

Original poster

LanaDelRay01 · 06/01/2017 19:53

Honestly wish I could hug each and everyone of you. You've been such a lifeline to me the past few days, thank you. I will keep you updated x

OP posts:

timeisnotaline · 08/01/2017 21:10

I'm glad you've had some help! And I hope you have both eaten :)

Cheeseandwineisprettyfine · 08/01/2017 21:31

Op, have a look at this... www.childreninwales.org.uk/in-your-area/integrated-childrens-centres/

I work in children centres and we access food, emergency money and then help to work out the next steps. Hope that helps.

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