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Original poster

Upset, annoyed, and well sad really

63 replies

Mellowyellow83 · 14/10/2025 09:19

So here goes, I’m a failure. I have been very ill recently - and as such I haven’t been able to work. I’m so broke, I mean reallr broke. I’ve had a food bank referral following a call with CAB yesterday - but they aren’t open until Wednesday morning. I have nothing now money, nothing in the cupboard, my electric is going, oh and to top it all of today is my birthday. I’m ranting. I just feel so so rubbish, I can’t provide for my child because my head doesn’t work properly.
i thought with this being my 42nd birthday I would be in a better position than this.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Bromptotoo · 14/10/2025 09:30

Regarding money, might you be able to claim Universal Credit or New Style ESA?

user1471538275 · 14/10/2025 09:31

Is there a particular 'money matters' issue you would like help with?

We can empathise with the tough time you've had - but if you need practical advice, you need to look for other food banks in your area - or things like Olio or a meal from a church or Gudwara.

Gizlotsmum · 14/10/2025 09:35

So if you can get to the food bank tomorrow you only need food for today. Is there no family who would help? Absolutely nothing in your cupboards you can make something out of? No other food bank you can use? Longer term you need to find a solution, can you claim any benefits?

Original poster
Mellowyellow83 · 14/10/2025 09:36

Bromptotoo · 14/10/2025 09:30

Regarding money, might you be able to claim Universal Credit or New Style ESA?

I already claim UC, this just about pays my rent, I’m not sure about ESA

OP posts:
Pr1mr0se · 14/10/2025 09:37
Happy Birthday GIF

Do you have any friends or family locally you could confide in? Have you been to the job centre, were they any help?

Happy Birthday! Hope things get better for you soon and you get some good advice from here too.

Original poster
Mellowyellow83 · 14/10/2025 09:38

Gizlotsmum · 14/10/2025 09:35

So if you can get to the food bank tomorrow you only need food for today. Is there no family who would help? Absolutely nothing in your cupboards you can make something out of? No other food bank you can use? Longer term you need to find a solution, can you claim any benefits?

my Cupboards a really very bare, I’ve checked for other food banks - and again they are open Friday morning!
no no family to help sadly - I already claim all the benefits I can I think - it’s a hand to mouth situation x

OP posts:
Tralalalama · 14/10/2025 09:39

What’s your child going to eat today?

user1471538275 · 14/10/2025 09:40

Is the issue an unexpected expense this month or is this ongoing - that your income won't meet your outgoings?

So you get UC and presumably Child benefit - has there been a change in this recently to cause you hardship?

Original poster
Mellowyellow83 · 14/10/2025 09:41

user1471538275 · 14/10/2025 09:40

Is the issue an unexpected expense this month or is this ongoing - that your income won't meet your outgoings?

So you get UC and presumably Child benefit - has there been a change in this recently to cause you hardship?

Yes I get child benefit - as it stands at the moment I am not working, and the low income had compounded and really reached a head where I’m at the end of it all

OP posts:
Original poster
Mellowyellow83 · 14/10/2025 09:42

Tralalalama · 14/10/2025 09:39

What’s your child going to eat today?

I get free school meals - so she will have a lunch -this is why I am feeling the failure because I don’t actually know what I can do for later

OP posts:
PumpkinSeasonOctober · 14/10/2025 09:43

What’s your child eating? Your local council may be able to help with their household fund.

user1471538275 · 14/10/2025 09:43

I think the Cost of living board might be somewhere to go for some good advice - many people have been in your situation and found advice there.

zipadeedodah · 14/10/2025 09:44

So food bank opens tomorrow you just need something for tonight then

Ask a friend or neighbour if they will buy you a bag of pasta, some bread and some milk. I'm assumig your child gets a free school lunch, Will your local church help,

MessEveryWhere · 14/10/2025 09:44

Is there a Salvation Army near you? They often have emergency food parcels for people in need.

Apply for a discretionary housing payment if you are paying more than the Local Housing Allowance in rent.

Make sure you are on a social tariff for broadband - Google Ofcom Social Tariff

Water -make sure you are on a cheaper tariff as you are on benefits

Discretionary Assistance Payment - Google to find out your local scheme.

Have you got debts? Look for free debt advice locally. Community Money Advice/Citizens Advice

Its shit, but you can get through this x

MusicalCarbuncle · 14/10/2025 09:44

Do you have a NextDoor account? If so I’d put a post on there seeing if anyone can provide w bit of food for the next couple of days.
Or you could ask your child’s school for help - sometimes they can provide emergency food.

PumpkinSeasonOctober · 14/10/2025 09:44

Do you have nothing at all? Pasta and sauce could be made for around £1.

MessEveryWhere · 14/10/2025 09:46

Is there a Salvation Army near you? They often have emergency food parcels for people in need.

Apply for a discretionary housing payment if you are paying more than the Local Housing Allowance in rent.

Make sure you are on a social tariff for broadband - Google Ofcom Social Tariff

Water -make sure you are on a cheaper tariff as you are on benefits

Discretionary Assistance Payment - Google to find out your local scheme.

Have you got debts? Look for free debt advice locally. Community Money Advice/Citizens Advice

Its shit, but you can get through this.

FigurativelyDying · 14/10/2025 09:51

A PP has suggested Olio. Do you know about this app? In my area it’s a great help. Download the app and you will see who has free food to give away in your immediate location. This is food from supermarkets that was given away because the sell by date was reached. It is perfectly edible food. Usually lots of bread, but often sandwiches and veg too. Last week there was even a birthday cake near me! Fingers crossed there is one for you in your area. You just need to message the person giving the food away and arrange to pick up. There is no shame attached to getting this food. On the contrary, you are doing something to save perfectly good food from landfill.
My heart goes out to you and I would like to join those in wishing you a happy birthday. Next year’s birthday will be better. Things can only get better. Sending you a very unmumsnetty hug.

Belladog1 · 14/10/2025 09:54

I don't know if its the same everywhere, but in both of my last two villages I have lived in there is a community food store. You can just pop over and pick the items you want. Locals put food in, from pasta and tinned items.

Edited to say - and Happy Birthday. Things will get better.

Belladog1 · 14/10/2025 09:55

MusicalCarbuncle · 14/10/2025 09:44

Do you have a NextDoor account? If so I’d put a post on there seeing if anyone can provide w bit of food for the next couple of days.
Or you could ask your child’s school for help - sometimes they can provide emergency food.

This is a great idea. I am on Nextdoor and there was a lady on their who was struggling for a few days. One kind soul ordered her a takeaway to be delivered.

PicnicForTheDogs · 14/10/2025 09:56

If you post your income and outgoings, posters will be able to help you budget better so at least this won’t happen again once you get through today.

Florencesndzebedee · 14/10/2025 09:59

What area do you live in roughly? Maybe someone will know of somewhere you could get food. Maybe try to do something nice for yourself, a walk or a bath for your birthday and resolve to have a better one next year.

P0PTARTS · 14/10/2025 10:03

Happy Birthday OP. Sorry it’s so shit. The only way is up my love ❤️

Tralalalama · 14/10/2025 10:05

do you have £1 or £2 to make some dinner for your child? Toast??
can you walk into your nearest church? I’m sure they have their harvest collections this week and could spare a tin of beans

Notagain25 · 14/10/2025 10:06

When I went to Morrison’s the other day, there were bags of free food near the entrance all parcelled up ready for people to just take. I thought that was amazing as some people really need it these days.