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.

@WonderfulYou

I assume you are perfect at all times so have this 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.

Just try not to be so judgmental, it doesn;t help.

Millions of people don't open bills, don't go for tests at the doctors, don't check out things they should.

Humans are complicated, messy even, and preaching doesn't help.

It is worth being proactive - but lots of people will fall short of your standards.

Apps like Olio could get you food today but check them daily. Download all of them.
Facebook groups should have info about community kitchens, a lot of churches have set up community food services. Some are totally free and some require a donation of a couple quid but will sort you out with enough food for all of you. You do not need to be a member of the church or religious in any way.
I found myself in the shit in January after surgery on my knee when my leccy/gas bill direct debit was £95 more than I was expecting. I was blown away by how willing people are to help, I spent maybe an hour online and ended up with about a months worth of cupboard stuff and plenty of fresh as well. Some of the fresh did need to be used within days so I was able to do a shed load of freezer meals.

It doesn't feel great tbh but the reason these groups have sprung up is because so many people have found themselves in your shoes.

@gamerchick

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

I will do.

@lilmishap

Apps like Olio could get you food today but check them daily. Download all of them. Facebook groups should have info about community kitchens, a lot of churches have set up community food services. Some are totally free and some require a donation of a couple quid but will sort you out with enough food for all of you. You do not need to be a member of the church or religious in any way. I found myself in the shit in January after surgery on my knee when my leccy/gas bill direct debit was £95 more than I was expecting. I was blown away by how willing people are to help, I spent maybe an hour online and ended up with about a months worth of cupboard stuff and plenty of fresh as well. Some of the fresh did need to be used within days so I was able to do a shed load of freezer meals.

It doesn't feel great tbh but the reason these groups have sprung up is because so many people have found themselves in your shoes.

Sorry too hear that I hope you are OK now. I'm glad you got the help it really does take a toll on your mental health. I'm so stressed and tired I can't even concentrate.

Perhaps you could view the food bank as something that is temporary and that you will 'repay' in the future, either through volunteering with them or by donating when you do your own shopping when you are in the position to? That way you will hopefully feel less embarrassed about using it, because you are just 'borrowing' the service temporarily.

Please swallow your pride and get a referral. It will be worth it and your tesco vouchers will last that much longer.

@Shgytfgtf111

Perhaps you could view the food bank as something that is temporary and that you will 'repay' in the future, either through volunteering with them or by donating when you do your own shopping when you are in the position to? That way you will hopefully feel less embarrassed about using it, because you are just 'borrowing' the service temporarily.

Please swallow your pride and get a referral. It will be worth it and your tesco vouchers will last that much longer.

Exactly this. Use it now and then pay back when you are able either through time or items.

Did you see my earlier posts? All West Midlands and no need for a referral.

Come on people-wake up 🙄

Hi OP so sorry this is happening to you. Its Ramadan atm and most (if not all) mosques provide a meal for iftar (breaking the fast) at around 8.20pm atm. If you have a mosque nearby please go in. You don't need to say anything about your situation just say can you take part in iftar meal and I'm confident they would welcome you. I'm so so sorry you haven't eaten for 3 days xxxxx

Come on people-wake up 🙄

This isn’t a Covid thread - and that phrase has had its day.

This is just a very small thing but I do surveys each night for an hour while watching TV. I usually make around 3 pounds a day and you can transfer any money you make however minimal instantly to PayPal and then to your bank account. This could give you enough each week for some essentials, and urgently for a few pounds for bread and beans or something. If you use this link it gives you 40p to start off with. Today for example my mop broke but I was able to use this money rather than eat into budget.

I'm inviting you to join AttaPoll. Get paid to take surveys. Download the app here: attapoll.app/join/skawm