Autumn R

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.