Do councils take your workplace into consideration?

[escapeplanstruggles]

I'm making plans to leave a bad relationship, slowly. Currently in private rented accommodation that I cannot afford to keep on my own - nor can I pick up more hours, childcare is extortionate, my workplace doesn't have more hours for me, and I have no family who can help. He will not leave that is not an option. I'm fairly sure the council won't leave me on the streets on with my children (6 and 3) but I don't know where they will put me, do they take the children's school and nursery into consideration? And do they take my workplace into consideration? I don't drive so if I can't get public transport then I can't work at all which seems a bit counterproductive. My 'plans'so far have just been to pack a get out bag with enough clothes for a week and our important documents in, and pack a lot of mine and the childrens clothes into suitcases for 'storage'. I've looked up what I might be entitled too benefits wise but I can't see how accurate that is and I don't even know where to go when we do get out but it's a start. I just need to know if I'll even be able to continue working, and if my children will still be able to go to school and nursery.

I think you should probably contact Shelter for advice and they might know what the situation is like in your local area but if you think you can just land yourself a council property in a location that's convenient for school and work I fear you need to take your rose tinted specs off.

Believe me I don't have rose tinted specs on I'm terrified. I don't know what to do, or where to go, I don't know how to feed my children when I leave because there is a 6 week wait for UC - I don't know where we will have to go so I might not be able to work, I won't be able to get them to school/nursery and if I can do that I can't pick up another job elsewhere. I have no rose tinted specs on here.

Then ring Shelter, they'll be able to advise.

If you make yourself intentionally homeless (by voluntarily leaving private rental for example) you won't be getting housed by the council. Best case scenario you'd end up in temporary accommodation like a hostel.

Speak with women's aid and Shelter before you do anything.

But surely its not voluntary if your trying to get away from someone who is vile to you every day.

If there is domestic abuse and you left due to that technically you haven't made yourself intentionally homeless; the issue is how you prove that. Have you ever been to your GP, spoken with a professional etc. Ie. is there any proof of domestic violence/abuse.
That's why you need to speak with Shelter and Women's Aid as they'll be able to advise what you have to do. Don't leave your accommodation until you have more info on what the council might decide.

I've only spoken to one professional about it - a health visitor it was in relation to my mental health and she told me that while he wasn't nice it wasn't really abusive and he's just stressed out too. It's amazing how he has actually made me feel like I WANT him to hit me, just so someone will believe me and help. Which sounds ridiculous, I want to ring shelter and womens aid but they both need to be phoned and if I'm on the phone then he could walk in at any time (he never tells me when he'll be home and he will overhear).

Can you not call from a friend's house, a shop, the library etc? Book a dentist appointment and call before/after that from outside the house?
Shelter also has a webchat function.

Yes use the webchat

Good luck OP! Definitely speak to Shelter if you can

OP might be worth posting on AIBU for traffic. I’ve read quite a few threads with some excellent advice on this topic. Good luck and hope you can find a solution.

I wouldn't post this in AIBU but the Relationships board is often helpful with regard to the logistics of leaving.

Best of luck OP

Not always true. A friend left an abusive relationship and was immediately housed by the council. She had the council house lined up before she left and went straight from her marital (owned) house to a council one.

This sounds such a hard situation for you OP.

Do you have any way to build up a fund for a deposit and food for a couple of weeks? Borrow from family? Any items you could pawn ?

I was privately renting, but the landlord sold up and I couldn't find anywhere private in time. Council had a duty of care to put me somewhere with my 7mo. They put me in the back of beyond in a B&B and now I have a council house in quite possibly the worst area I know. I'm still grateful to have a roof over my head, but yeah, I work one night per week and that wasn't taken into consideration. I was placed ages away from work and had to find something else. I really really doubt they'll consider your children's schools etc. There just aren't enough resources. I'm sorry you are going through this too.

Also, Refuge/women's aid are really good. But if you work, they'll advise you sign on to benefits because the weekly rent in refuge is something like £200+? Just what I heard. Also social services will be involved with your children. That would be a major last resort if I was you. 😖

Please contact woman’s aid, they will be able to give proper advice.

as far as UC goes, although there is a wait for benefits to start you can take an advance so you’re not penniless. You can do a manual calculation at Universal Credit Essentials www.uceplus.co.uk/how-much-will-my-payment-be

Good luck 💐

Call from work

Which area are you OP ? Roughly.
Recommend registering with women's aid to help you .
Register with olio , download the app and become familiar with the procedure for listing and requesting and look for FWH ( food waste heros ) In your area. Explain your situation and they will help you . Food is donated by Tesco Waitrose etc and distributed to anyone interested in reducing waste ( rich and poor ).
It will be worth it him the end.