calling the power of mumsnet!

[starlover]

My cousin has just been given a council flat after living in a halfway house with her DP and baby for ages.
They are living on benefits at the mo as her DP has cancer (amongst other reasons)

The council basically are giving them an empty shell, not even any carpet!

Does anyone know of any charities, or other organisations where they may be able to get carpet relatively cheaply?

yeah they are... in Haywards Heath at the mo

Wondered if any local-ish MNers might have useful stuff to get rid of.

i've had trouble getting out of them what they actually need tbh!
the only thing i know is carpet and they think a cooker
dawn is quite proud and tends to gloss over things so you never find out how bad stuff has got until it's really bad iyswim!

i know she said they get vouchers to decorate but not enough to cover the cost of carpeting etc...

Many Catholic parishes will have an organisation called the St Vincent de Paul (SVP for short) which support families experiencing all kinds of difficulties. You don't have to be Catholic. The parish priest or sister should be able to give you contact details.

Thanks for the occupational link- I know it's unlikely but have e-mailed the one for dh's prefession, newstraid, about possible help for DS1 to go to BIBIC.

Pride is a tricky one to get round isn't it

Can you "trick" her into making a list on the pretext of simply prioritising things?

yes... will work on her!

once i have all my info i can just say to her "oh, such and such a place can help with carpet if you need it"
or
"i know someone with a cooker going cheap, if you need one" etc etc

that may just work better than getting her to tell me! lol

if they get benefits they can apply for grants/loans through benefits agency

I would try social services first. They will know details of local furniture places that supply furniture cheaply to those who need it. They also can apply to local charities on behalf of your cousin for grants especially as she has a baby.

Also what about trying local media - ie newspapers, radio stations? If you cousin was willing then an appeal may be read out.