Upset, annoyed, and well sad really

[Mellowyellow83]

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.

Who made food bank referral? Can you go back and ask where to go today?

Yes I was thinking I would have a nice bath 😌

Contact school. Talk to pastoral care officer. Every have funds to help families in the school

ask about on local Facebook groups

what area are you as if local happy to buy you some bread pasta sauce cheese Beans eggs etc so can have ommlette - toast dippy eggs - beans on toast. Cheese on toast etc and drop off

happy birthday 💐

if your child goes to school tomor and says they had no dinner last night as mum was out of food this could risk a social services referral? what a hideous situation to be in but this can’t happen again. Go knock on neighbours doors and ask to borrow some pasta and sauce to feed your child and make a very detailed plan on what food you will buy with your budget when you next get your money. There are some great threads on MN, how to eat on £20 a week etc

Hello everyone,

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. We strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon.

MNHQ

That’s very very kind of you, I’m in south east England x

Speak to the receptionist/head teacher at school. Most schools have things in place for parents in need like this and can provide food.

Contact your energy suppliers and they also usually have things in place to help with people In these situations. Especially if there is a child in the house.

Try and get an appointment at your local citizens advice and they could give you options and help you didn’t even know existed.

This won’t be forever, it’s a temporary bump and things will get better.

Happy birthday and I hope you’re able to feel a bit better after making a few phone calls.

Thank you 🙏

Gosh, you really are having a bad time, illness, no money, bare cupboards, food bank not open, no family at all to help. This seems to happen a lot on here at this time of year.

Hopefully you can take the advice here. Do post your money in vs money out as a pp suggested and posters can advise on how not to get in this predicament again.

South east is quite big - I’m south east

Someone has already mentioned, but if you download Olio (it’s free) and look in the free food section there will likely be quite a lot of unwanted food being given away and you may be able to collect something between now and school out.

Near Guildford xx

OP long term is it worth you thinking about moving to a cheaper part of the country? The South east is expensive even for those earning comfortable salaries.
You might find money goes a bit further in a cheaper area?
I know it doesn't solve the problem now, but then nothing does really unless you are hoping people will send money to you.
Surely if you ask at your childs school they might at least be able to give you some basic food to cover dinner tonight? Or surely another mum from school could give you a bag of pasta and jar of sauce?
Its hard to believe theres not a single person you could ask for this

I’m sorry things are difficult right now. I would definitely speak to the school about your situation to see if they can help. They might be able to give your child some breakfast in the morning etc. How old is your child?

How far away is GU2 8EN? Can you actually get there (I don't know if you can afford to travel and/or can walk there?

https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/26864/Community-fridge

Community fridge - Guildford Borough Council https://share.google/nHNp6cbVNo0UKEkUx

Ah. Im Kent. Hopefully be someone a little closer to you who can help

The Salvation Army operates in your area. I don't think they're supposed to drop off, but if you're really desperate and can't get there, it's worth an ask. Location: GU1 4QQ

If you are in need of an emergency food parcel, please contact us at [email protected] or call 01483 506763 to arrange a pick up time.

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/guildford

Thank you!

@Mellowyellow83 I hope you can get some extra help today to tide you over. I had a really rubbish birthday this year too, and I understand how that just amplifies everything and makes it feel worse.

No practical help in this post, but some sympathy. Once you have some more stuff sorted and the initial panic is over, maybe you can get something more sustainable sorted. Happy crappy birthday, and here's to a much better year around the sun. :)

There's also the Community Fridge at Zero in Walnut Tree Grove open on a Tuesday.

https://www.experienceguildford.com/directory/something-different/zero-carbon-guildford/

But I would contact CAB again and tell them you have no food at all. The CAB that I volunteered alongside kept a stock of tinned food for emergency referrals.

Check how else you can get a referral, as there will likely be other sources close to you. For example, our local library can refer to the food bank. It's worth giving the food bank a call to see how else you could get a voucher.

Many of us have these moments in life, it's important to do what you can to protect your health. Happy birthday OP 🎂

Happy Birthday, You are not a failure, the world is a hard place... especially with no support.

Ask a neighbour for slices of bread and some butter and jam and make her sandwiches for dinner or toast.

When you next get money make an emergency basket with some chocolate, pasta, tins , flour you will never need to feel this way again.

Talk to your school ours have emergency food parcels for families

https://www.zerocarbonguildford.org/community-fridge

Not sure if you've tried this or if it's been shared already.