In desperate need of a helping hand

[tkan1]

Hello East Dulwich forum,

Apologies in advance for this long thread, I am in a difficult situation at the moment and in need of some help.

My name is Tom and Im 28, currently living in Dulwich near Peckham park. I have two beautiful children a girl who is 1 and a half and a little boy who is 4 months old, I also have an a great partner who is an incredible woman and mother.

We have been living in Dulwich for around 2 years now and its been amazing, we've met some really wonderful people here. Unfortunately life has taken a turn for the worst. I recently started working for a company in the construction industry, unfortunately things didn't quite work out. To cut a long story short, The company did not turn out to deliver on what was promised and has now left me and my family with an incredible amount of debt and we are on the verge of loosing our home. I have had to send my family to Germany to live with my partners parents while I try and find another job and clear the debts and find us a place to live.

So to my request. I am looking for a job that I can build a career with that will help me support my family. I have worked many different jobs but my passion is for the creative media industry. Unfortunately Media is not the easiest of industries to get into (everyone seems to ask you to have experience but no one seems to want to give you a chance to get any experience) So if anyone has any advice or works for a company or knows anyone who works for a company that can help me gain experience and build a career, please help me bring my family home.

Thank you in advance.

[Spaceat61]

There was a scheme being advertised a short while ago by D&AD called New Blood it specifically states it is looking for young creatives without university degrees. It looks as though the intake has now finished for this year but why not contact them anyway for advice on any other programmes if it is the creative industry you really want to get into. https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-new-blood-shift-london/

And on a more practical note there are lots of debt help agencies in the UK if you are struggling. Step Change are one of them. https://m.stepchange.org/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=270049&WT.seg_1=step%20change&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9vO6q47C1QIV0xbTCh2c-AZwEAAYBCAAEgIhifD_BwE

[IlonaM]

Hi,

Also have a look at this website for practical information on accessing help and support via benefits and charitable trusts who may be able to help: www.turn2us.org.uk

It has a search engine for charitable trusts which allows you to use filters to focus on trusts who help individuals and families in your location, situation etc. by giving grants. Before you apply be sure to look at who they help and exclusions.

With best wishes IlonaM

[tkan1]

Thank you all so much for your support.

I greatly appreciate it.