I don’t know why but I’m really looking forward to Christmas this year. Normally I dread it as it’s very costly but this year the children age 10 and 15 don’t really want much. They are so sweet. I feel very blessed.

The sunshine makes even the biggest problems seem a little less.

Funding must have been put back into mental health lately because back in 2017 I waited 9 months for CBT even when in dire crisis.

This Time I am not in crisis just needing a little help and after self referring to a local talking therapies through the GP, I have an appointment already merely weeks after the referral.

This is a massive step in the right direction x

Feeling the effects of the summer holidays now and my daughters 15th birthday as I'm back to being broker than broke. But the sun is shining. I have my beautiful children so for today I am looking for the positives

My big dreams is turn my obstacle into opportunity and my problem into possibilities we’re gonna be fine one day our lives will move like the breeze…

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 🤣