I'm stuck 😭

[Welsh2479]

Electricity has gone up the money I have is meant to be going on food but is now going to electric so I'm left with nothing for three days, I'm in tears and feel pathetic. Food banks need a referral but I don't drive I'm really in mess and I'm sick of the struggle.Do all food banks need a referral? will I have to just suck it up? Any advice would be gladly appreciated.

Contact www.trusselltrust.org/hunger-free-future/join-us/

Also have a look and see if there are any community kitchens in your area

Have you got any family / friends that can lend you a few £'s?
Anything you can sell on FB Marketplace?
What do you have in your cupboards/freezer that you can make use of

No, some food banks you can self refer, they all operate differently. Whereabouts are you and some people might have local knowledge re foodbanks and other organisations that can help

We don't have anybody to ask and their is nothing I can make use off I've been up all night worrying I haven't ate since Sunday. I don't see the point in life I really don't.
You need a referral from the council.
Suppose it's better to have electricity than food.
Thank you for your advice.

If your local foodbank does need a referral, contact CAB, your health visitor, GP, kids school (if they're not still on holiday), they can all make referrals or point you in the right direction.

@xyzandabc

No, some food banks you can self refer, they all operate differently. Whereabouts are you and some people might have local knowledge re foodbanks and other organisations that can help

Can I message you to tell you where I am I don't want to put it on here it's embarrassing

Hope the OP is okay but please be careful when replying to this thread and to any PMs

@xyzandabc

If your local foodbank does need a referral, contact CAB, your health visitor, GP, kids school (if they're not still on holiday), they can all make referrals or point you in the right direction.

Everything that is available you have to go through someone it's embarrassing I'd rather starve.

Sorry, I don't do pms from Mumsnet. I'm guessing from your username that you are in Wales? I'm not in Wales so won't have any local knowledge but just posting the county you are in is not outing and will help people to help you. Change names if you feel you have to.

@NiteWotcha

Hope the OP is okay but please be careful when replying to this thread and to any PMs

Careful of what

@xyzandabc

Sorry, I don't do pms from Mumsnet. I'm guessing from your username that you are in Wales? I'm not in Wales so won't have any local knowledge but just posting the county you are in is not outing and will help people to help you. Change names if you feel you have to.

OK.

I've come on here for advice I didn't know you weren't allowed to do that here. Sorry.

Huge sympathies Op but nothing to be embarrassed about and you're going to have to swallow your pride to get some food. Get a referral asap x

In my area there are soup kitchens ,run by churches ,that you just turn up to. No judgement.

And so it starts...

No one here will know you from the little information you’ve given here. Post your whereabouts - someone may be able to help. I’m in Wales.

@HollyBollyBooBoo

Huge sympathies Op but nothing to be embarrassed about and you're going to have to swallow your pride to get some food. Get a referral asap x

OK, thank you.

There are also independent foodbanks map here

Not all foodbanks are members of the Trussell Trust or the Independent Food Network so it is worth a Google / look on Facebook to see if there is one in your area.

CAB,GPs, schools and churches can all refer to most foodbanks so you could ask them if they know of one in your area.

@sandgrown

In my area there are soup kitchens ,run by churches ,that you just turn up to. No judgement.

OK thank you.

The only way anyone is going to be able to help you is if they know you need help. If they don't know, they can't do anything.

There are army's of people up and down the country that have set up foodbanks, community larders, fridges, access services, information services for exactly your situation, they want people to use their services (albeit they wish people didn't have to). They want to help, they really do, but you need to make the 1st step. Be brave, it's a new day and you can do it

Community associations can also do a referral in some areas.

And you are getting advice. Nowhere has anyone said you aren't allowed.

I haven't been able to find anything that doesn't need a referral. I just wanted to know if anyone knew anything that doesn't. I don't drive so I can't go wondering around everywhere I have mobility issues. Im in the West Midlands. Its only three days I suppose some people go weeks without.

www.google.co.uk/search?q=west+midlands+food+banks&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari

I would contact even those food banks that say you need a referral as they may help you as it’s Easter. Also try your local churches and the Sikh temples in your area.

Sikh temples feed you a hot meal for nothing.
There are lots soup kitchens that can provide a decent meal.
Apps like olio or too good to go will let you see location of free food.
Have you contacted your energy supplier? You may be able to have a payment plan that will help.

you can also try olio app for free food and sometimes your local council can help, you can try contacting your supplier and see if they can give you an emergency top up to free up some money when you are paid next.