lose my home? social service said they would help

Amazonianup

hi,

i have been unwell i tried help on nhs nothing. Social services said they would help etc i bee n depressed etc they have ignored me for weeks after they promise this and that etc. the mice only turned up since they had been to me and lied to get access to my place. I have mice in my place i think they are in roof i dont have food to attract them etc i been trying to get help for my mood for over a year. i got rid of an empty box i found mouse poo  and i had looked in about a month before and no mess etc so mice are recent and so i clean kitchen sides etc but i dont have food to attract them i buy food daily due to my health. I found only a few droppings and cleared it then i brought sound deterrent. i found less poo like one dropping and its from day time since i was out which is strange!? Mice are nocturnal? but i just dont get help...its embarassing no one listens to me. i had found they ate rice packet i had not used in over a year and literally have no food to attract them since i got rid of this so they should t even want to come in my place. i dont want to go homeless again. 

i tell them whats wrong and what i need help with and they ignore me? how do i not go homeless and get help?

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @Amazonianup I'm sorry to hear about your mouse problem. I'd like to share the following information and advice from English Heritage's book, 'Pests In Houses Great and Small':

Mouse droppings are usually very small, smaller than a 5p piece, and they can be found over a wide area as mice are incontinent. If the droppings are as big as a 20p, it's more likely they are rats.

They will also eat a lot of different foods. Female mice will shred up any available material to make a nest, so they will gnaw through all sorts. Their front teeth grow all the time so they gnaw to prevent overgrowing teeth as well. 

I would definitely contact your local authority, housing provider or even your local MP, as mice are a very real fire risk, they can gnaw through electrical wiring and alarm systems. You can raise this health and safety issue with them as a matter of urgency.

Have you been using any 'break-back' traps, or live traps, to capture the mice? You'd need to set them in an area where the mice are moving about, and place them against a wall if possible. Peanut butter, dried fruit, and chocolate are better bait than cheese. You should always wear rubber gloves when removing mice or nests. 

If you would rather look for a pest control contractor, which I would suggest you urge your local council or social services to do, then they should be a member of the British Pest Control Association.

Some key points on mouse prevention are:

• Proof buildings against mouse entry
• Store human or animal food in hard plastic or metal sealed containers
• Regularly check undisturbed places for mouse nests
• Avoid putting out crumbs or other human food for birds
• Look out for droppings
• Look out for gnaw marks

Alex_Alumni

I'm sorry to hear this stress has made you worried about losing your home, can I ask if you're getting any support for your mental health at the moment? 

If you are living in rented accommodation, Shelter has some useful advice on pests and vermin in rented homes.

If we can help support you further, please ask and we'll do what we can.

Amazonianup

social services not done anything or housing association i told her about sonic deterrent a d i hope they will go etc  she didnt even ask come in an and see so i left it. i just worried because i came back today and found dropping since i was out i frequently leave my place to not feel trapped and clear my head. iv not found anymore shredded stuff. I cleared up glass and tv i smashed since my last mood flip. bit i been askong for help for ages.

L_Volunteer

Things sound really difficult for you at home at the moment @Amazonianup - especially with the droppings etc  You deserve to be able to go out regularly to not feel trapped and clear your head.

You also deserve some more support. As you say, even someone asking to come over and have a look would be helpful and reassuring.

Do you feel able to ask anyone else if they might be able to come over and have a look and support you with this? 

Amazonianup

No i dont have anyone. In one way i know iv got my record and i know even if i get ill and die then thats something and i hope the system changes because of that and it all means something of what the system puts you through. I just hope the pictures and the logs of my recordings arent covered up when im gone. Im so tired from lack of sleep and anxiety.

surfygoose

I’m sorry you are feeling so desperate.
Do you have a local crisis line you can call? Keep talking to us on here.

MW123

Amazonianup

I am truly sad to hear that you're feeling this way and that you're experiencing such profound loneliness. It can be incredibly challenging to face difficulties without a support system in place. It sounds like you're grappling with the weight of your experiences and the impact they have on you. It's understandable to hope for change and to desire that your story has a lasting impact on the system. Your desire for your pictures and recordings to be preserved is a reflection of your longing for your existence and your struggles to be acknowledged.  The exhaustion from lack of sleep and the burden of anxiety can be overwhelming.  Please remember that your experiences matter, and your feelings are valid.  Even though it may not seem like it now, there is always hope for change and it is important to prioritise your well-being in the present moment.  I want you to know that even though it may seem like it now, you are not truly alone. There are people in this community who care about you and are here to support you.  

Amazonianup

you mean well its just not useful. its just distracting myself while waiting but other than that thats all i can do.

MW123

Dear Amazonianup

I truly understand and value your honesty. It's my genuine hope that a solution to your problem will be sorted promptly.