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Homeless on Friday and I'm almost suicidal.

NAS91600

Hi everyone,
I’m not really sure where to start, but I’m feeling completely overwhelmed and scared. There’s a strong chance I could be made homeless soon, and I don’t know what to expect or how to prepare myself mentally.

I live in Northern Ireland and I’m on the housing list, but I’ve been told I might end up in temporary accommodation. No one’s explained properly what that looks like — will it be a hotel? A hostel? Will I be safe? I have my cat, Basil, who means the world to me, and I’m terrified I won’t be able to bring him with me. He’s not vaccinated and I don’t have the money to sort it quickly.

My mental health isn’t in a good place at all. I’ve been trying to hold it together, but I feel like I’m hitting brick walls at every turn. My sister has made it clear she doesn’t want to help, which hurts more than I expected — she just told me she “doesn’t need the agro.” It feels like I’ve been left to figure all of this out completely alone.

If anyone has any experience with this — being placed in emergency housing in NI, or even just how to cope mentally when you feel like you’re at the end of your rope — I’d really appreciate anything. Advice, reassurance, even just knowing I’m not the only one who’s been through something like this.

Parents

  • Hi  

    Sorry you are still going through this. I remember your previous posts and I had hoped your situation would have improved by now. 

    Are you still in touch with Autism Initiatives?
    Can somebody at Autism Initiatives contact the NIHE to find out exactly what your situation is regarding accommodation that will suit you and your cat? 
    Have you a social worker who can advocate for you?

    I don’t know if emotional support animals have a separate legal status in NI, but I do know that increasingly more landlords and social agencies in the UK generally, are recognising the importance of these animals in their human’s life, so there is hope that you may get housed with your cat.

    There is a PDSA pet hospital at 490 Antrim Road Belfast. Tel: 02890 770977.      https://www.pdsa.org.uk/near-me/114_belfast-pdsa-pet-hospitalThey can offer free or subsidised veterinary treatment and vaccinations to people receiving certain benefits.

    Somebody at the PDSA may be able to suggest where your cat could be temporarily housed if you were housed in temporary accommodation.  
    Also try Assisi Animal Sanctuary in Bangor https://www.assisi-ni.org It may not offer temporary accommodation, but could perhaps recommend somewhere.

  • in reply to ArchaeC

    I'll call around first thing. No, My Support Worker is on holiday and has been for almost two weeks now. She did help me get 110 points. But that's all. She was meant to give me her number so I could ask for help from another support worker. She just never did. So I'm not sure what to do. I hope they do take Basil into consideration. I love him dearly. This has been the worst time of my life and there is seemingly no end. 

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  • in reply to ArchaeC

    I'll call around first thing. No, My Support Worker is on holiday and has been for almost two weeks now. She did help me get 110 points. But that's all. She was meant to give me her number so I could ask for help from another support worker. She just never did. So I'm not sure what to do. I hope they do take Basil into consideration. I love him dearly. This has been the worst time of my life and there is seemingly no end. 

Children