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Original poster

I'm stuck 😭

135 replies

Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 03:22

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.

OP posts:
WonderfulYou · 19/04/2022 09:07

I assume you are perfect at all times so have this Biscuit as your reward.

@carefullycourageous

No but growing up as a teenage, single parent on benefits I had to learn the hard way.
So I’m giving my advice so others can try and avoid the same path.

It’s different if they had an unexpected bill but there have been numerous threads about having zero food in the house but they’d left it too late to be able to get any help that day. So they suffer more.

You know if you’ve got zero money and only a small amount of food left which definitely isn’t going to last you then you will eventually need help.

As many food banks needs a referral then it’s definitely worth being proactive and finding out about these things as soon as you can.

Moochio · 19/04/2022 09:08

@AchillesPoirot

You can do the Tesco points. I’ve done it. It just takes 24 hours to convert to vouchers.

Don’t give incorrect information please.

I've just done the tesco points! Thanks so much I had no idea you could cash them in early.
mumofsennimaul · 19/04/2022 09:08

We have local community fridges that don't need a referral, no questions asked at all 🥰

Threetulips · 19/04/2022 09:10

Please get over your embarrassment - I would guess you’re fiercely independent and don’t like to ask for help (or advice) normally.

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. People totally understand families have short term and long term difficulties.

Now - today - you need food, there are places available to help, they don’t judge people, they are there to help. Even without a referral they can and will help.

Go to your nearest one and ask - that’s the first step. You’ll be surprised how easy it is.

Then check your benefits if you don’t claim there maybe something you could.

Moochio · 19/04/2022 09:13

Is there a neighbour you could ask for a loaf of bread?

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 19/04/2022 09:14

No I don't want a referral it's embarrassing.

If you won't ask for a referral because you're embarrassed, you really need to work out if hunger is more important than short term embarrassment. You need to swallow your pride and use the advice given. You've been given good advice from people but they aren't going to send you money. You need to help yourself in this situation.

LadyPenelope68 · 19/04/2022 09:14

@Welsh2479
No I don't want a referral it's embarrassing.
Yes, it’s embarrassing, but if you’re desperate that’s what you need to do. Sometimes you need to swallow your pride. If you can’t do that, you’re not that desperate and likely this is the usual scam. You e been offered loads of advice, but have had excuses for everything.

Moochio · 19/04/2022 09:17

No I don't want a referral it's embarrassing.

It's either be embarrassed or be hungry. But the more people have referrals the less people will find it embarrassing.

WonderfulYou · 19/04/2022 09:44

Is there a neighbour you could ask for a loaf of bread?

I don’t think it’s a good idea to ask neighbours.

Lots of people are struggling at the minute and they may feel guilty for not giving it up but they might really need it themselves.

ssd · 19/04/2022 09:47

Think the op is gone

Moochio · 19/04/2022 09:48

Lots of people are struggling at the minute and they may feel guilty for not giving it up but they might really need it themselves. yes but then they can say sorry I'm struggling and need it myself but hey we're in the same boat lets go to the foodbank together

Original poster
Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 11:58

Thing is I am taking the advice on board.
TESCOS was my fault I haven't done it on a app before, I calmed down and tried again apparently the voucher will be ready in 24hrs.
I haven't asked anyone for money, I don't want a referral because its embarrassing you really think id be pming people asking for money. The person asked me where I lived and I didn't want to put it on here that's why I said about pming her/him, apologies.
Thank you for all for your advice. I can't reply separately it would take ages but YES I have taken all the Advice on board.

OP posts:
Original poster
Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 12:00

I just wanted advice that is all. I'm actually quite upset that people thought I was after money, I wasn't. I couldn't see a way through so asked for advice. Apologies too whomever I've offended.

OP posts:
AchillesPoirot · 19/04/2022 12:02

People aren’t offended. They’re trying to help and with you not giving information it’s difficult.

People do actually pm on here offering and asking for money.

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 19/04/2022 12:04

@Welsh2479

Thing is I am taking the advice on board. TESCOS was my fault I haven't done it on a app before, I calmed down and tried again apparently the voucher will be ready in 24hrs. I haven't asked anyone for money, I don't want a referral because its embarrassing you really think id be pming people asking for money. The person asked me where I lived and I didn't want to put it on here that's why I said about pming her/him, apologies. Thank you for all for your advice. I can't reply separately it would take ages but YES I have taken all the Advice on board.
Great news, even just a couple of £ will see you through these 3 days.

You can get a loaf, some beans or something to go on toast like mushrooms, maybe big potatoes for jacket spuds with spread and cheese.

Once you've sorted out a bag of basics and have filled your belly take the time to look at your finances and see what if anything you can do. You don't want to be repeating this every month so if you need help it's best to seek that from a place of preparedness rather than panic.

Original poster
Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 12:18

@HalfShrunkMoreToGo

Yes it's cheered me up a little bit don't think I'll ever take food for granted again. Funny enough I'm not actually that hungry anymore think the longer you go the better it gets I've been filling up on water.
Little did i know when I posted this thread it would be as embarrassing as getting a referral Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 12:24

@mumofsennimaul

We have local community fridges that don't need a referral, no questions asked at all 🥰
That's good some people just don't realise how embarrassing it is, people say it's nothing to be ashamed of but this thread has taught me that people(not all) think bad of people that are in need and that they have a ulterior motive.
OP posts:
Original poster
Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 12:27

[quote Kayjay2018]@Welsh2479 if you can access Facebook have a look for a local community fridge. These are separate to the food banks and are available to anyone, food is by donation or free if you cannot donate . I have two near me, always plenty of food from fruit and veg to baked goods, frozen goods and ready meals. No referral is needed so you can take yourself along and get some food. Also worth looking at really cheap food recipes, pasta dishes etc that you could make in bulk and then pop in the fridge or freezer, pasta and some tinned tomatoes etc are quite cheap, or tuna, pasta and tjn of sweetcorn, they can do a few lunch meals for a week. We tend to do a batch of food on a Saturday and freeze some and pull them out during the week when needed[/quote]
Thank you I will take a look but I should have my tesco voucher I can use tomorrow.

OP posts:
Gazelda · 19/04/2022 12:45

@Welsh2479 honestly, not a single person thinks badly of anyone who needs advice, support, referrals or guidance. Honestly, please don't take these posts personally.

We've tried to point out to you that other posters have turned out to be scammers, which unfortunately makes MNers wary.

There are lots of us who've been brassic at one point or another and don't judge anyone who's having a tough time financially. I'm pleased you're looking into advice you've been given and that you're open to suggestions.

Next step is to overcome your embarrassment about getting a food bank referral. People who work or volunteer at food banks are generally really nice people who've either been in your shoes or acknowledge their privilege in not needing financial support so are 'doing their bit'. They see people many day in day out so won't bat an eyelid at you if you visit.

You need to eat. Without nourishment, your body will not be able to cope with all the other stress that life has a habit of throwing at us.

Villagewaspbyke · 19/04/2022 12:48

Is there a Sikh temple near you? They do free meals and no judgement at all. It’s often a lovely environment with delicious food

Villagewaspbyke · 19/04/2022 12:53

@Welsh2479 - nothing at all to be embarrassed about. I think some posters wanted to warn about scam threads which happen every so often. You’re not supposed to ask for money on mn (of course you are not) but advice is what we are here for.

Have you tried the olio app? That does free food. To good to go do yellow sticker type food as well.

Original poster
Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 13:00

@Villagewaspbyke

Is there a Sikh temple near you? They do free meals and no judgement at all. It’s often a lovely environment with delicious food
You've made me think now.. you know, I don't think I've ever seen a temple round here.
OP posts:
Original poster
Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 13:04

[quote Gazelda]@Welsh2479 honestly, not a single person thinks badly of anyone who needs advice, support, referrals or guidance. Honestly, please don't take these posts personally.

We've tried to point out to you that other posters have turned out to be scammers, which unfortunately makes MNers wary.

There are lots of us who've been brassic at one point or another and don't judge anyone who's having a tough time financially. I'm pleased you're looking into advice you've been given and that you're open to suggestions.

Next step is to overcome your embarrassment about getting a food bank referral. People who work or volunteer at food banks are generally really nice people who've either been in your shoes or acknowledge their privilege in not needing financial support so are 'doing their bit'. They see people many day in day out so won't bat an eyelid at you if you visit.

You need to eat. Without nourishment, your body will not be able to cope with all the other stress that life has a habit of throwing at us. [/quote]
I know I'm so tired don't think I've even got the energy to go out of the house I've hardly had any sleep. I also have hypoglycemia which is not ideal.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 19/04/2022 13:08

Then you must swallow your embarrassment and contact a food bank. Especially if your health is at risk.

Original poster
Welsh2479 · 19/04/2022 13:08

[quote Villagewaspbyke]@Welsh2479 - nothing at all to be embarrassed about. I think some posters wanted to warn about scam threads which happen every so often. You’re not supposed to ask for money on mn (of course you are not) but advice is what we are here for.

Have you tried the olio app? That does free food. To good to go do yellow sticker type food as well.[/quote]
I'm looking but can't concentrate but I will go back to it later and have a look properly thank you.

OP posts: