My child and I, could not afford to go on holiday. But one of the charities did take us on a day trip to a farm park and we loved it. At least it did get us out of the house to see different things. My child enjoyed the play area and the view of animals. We didn't visit the strawberry farm, that's because my child was engrossed with play. We hope next holiday, we can afford to go on a vacation. Happy weekend every one.

I was invited to a summer party for children by an organisation helping the migrants it was very fun a lot of play toys for children

Just got back from holiday in Philippines. Where they have a cost of living crisis the wages don't match the prices. It's is cheap for us as our pound goes a long way with the exchange rate but the wages there for people aren't enough.

I'm so happy with my new energy supplier I've actually saved money as I've not used a lot so I'm now currently in credit by a lot, and my payment for this month is 80.00 feels like a massive relief compared to EDF.

Hello everyone, thinking about the extra cost of school uniforms in September and other essential needs please let try shed more light on it thanks.

I had a night without my child and I decided to do some creative journaling .

As a lone parent, I’ve been struggling during the summer with my mental health and I’ve kept telling myself I can do it so this is probably my feelings on the page. It’s not great as it’s only my second attempt but I like the message I put in the middle.

Well today I'm very grateful for anyone who donates to food banks etc. I received a voucher of £25 each for each of my 3 children for asda for summer clothing or school uniform.

I have already sorted all the uniform but socks and underwear are so blooming expensive that I was able to buy that.

Having 2/3 kids now in adult clothing sizes has increased the price massively so I'm very grateful.

I'm also grateful to have been referred for help from LEAP with making my private rented home more energy efficient (which is fantastic) also they will help me with an air fryer after mine has set on fire

Having to swallow my pride to accept help has become a regular occurrence but I'm eternally grateful for the help I am receiving

I am home from our first holiday since my daughter’s behavioural issues exploded into high risk behaviours at home and school.

It was an exceptionally good holiday in which we ventured to London for a cheap 10 days away. I’m very lucky to have my sister stay in London so we only need to pay train fares (discounted with rail card - great investment and costs only £30 or £15 in Clubcard Vouchers). This time was even better as I used my LNER points to reduce the fare by more than half (I’ve been saving for years).

Usually we stick to free and low cost activities but my sister and Mum paid for things such as Stonehenge and LEGOLAND for day trips. It made the trip a little more special and exciting and I think we needed it - it’s been a tough year.

Normally I would struggle to accept family helping by covering costs for day trips but I found my way of helping was covering groceries (I’m becoming better at bargains shopping) and helping around my sisters house as thanks. I’m very lucky to have a supportive family as they know I don’t have the financial backing they do and allow me to contribute what I can without putting myself in financial strain.

I cannot believe the kids break up for summer holidays next week. I'm desperately trying to save every penny to get us through the holidays.

In the absence of an actual holiday I've got my fingers and toes crossed that I'm soon going to be gifted a tent so I can at least take the kids camping for a few nights somewhere.

I am trying to think positive. When in reality I've mentioned it to my two teenagers and they've said absolutely not so we will see. It may end up being me and the youngest In a tent in a field 🤣

Creative Journaling…

So this is the first time I’ve done creative journaling and I’m really proud of how my first work has piece of work came out. I decided to use my daughter as my inspiration as she is my world… my reason for being and I adore her.

I’m used to a more diary based journaling type of thing so this new approach was so much fun and really just let me have some time to just try out something new which I love! I definitely will be doing this again in the future although it will be fighting for time with the holidays coming up.

Thank you for holding such a fun session for me to do something new and thank you for the kit you sent out; I don’t have a lot of materials I can just pick up so it was so helpful.

What a week.

Weather has been poor.

My mood has been low.

Then suddenly today I was invited to a local university to discuss my experience of being a recent personal litigant to university graduates at the law clinic.

After not wanting to get out of bed today as I was feeling so low, I pushed myself and overcame my nerves.

I was out of my comfort zone.

When the speaking event was finished I arrived completely by accident at another event and it was truly inspirational.

I’m so pleased I pushed myself out of my comfort zone today and had these two amazing opportunities to speak about my real lived experiences.

Looking at the brighter side if everything even when it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Hopes are up, trying to retrain for a better tomorrow.