Thanks for reading, this is incredibly embarrassing but I am hoping that someone can help.
I’m asking for money to be able to cover rent, my transport and food for the next three months. I’ll try and tell you why I need this here, and I’m also happy to respond to any emails before any money is sent, to prove I’m not a scammer.
I am a mental health nursing student in the U.K., in the final semester of my first year. As a mature student, going back to university was not something I decided lightly, but having worked for charities for the past 10 years I knew my passion was in empowering and helping people who were at a low point in their life, and felt this was the best way I could use my skills to help have an impact on the world. The coronavirus and loosing family was also a driver in choosing this.
Growing up poor, I learnt how to budget properly, make the best out of not very much, and manage my expectations. I planned meticulously how I was going to manage at university, staying working with the charity I’ve been working with for the past 10 years but on night shifts, applying and obtaining all grants available, finding the best food deals across the city I live in, picking up a second job in a care home.
My first semester went better than I ever thought it would do; my grades were on track for a 1st degree, my placement went amazing (I thought it might put me off, but it just solidified that I wanted to do this as a career), I was managing financially, even able to send a little money to my mum to help out.
Second semester started out as good as the first one, although an increase in the cost of living meant I needed to pick up an extra shift, now working 5 shifts a week alongside studying full time. Then in February things started to go downhill, I’ll try and explain it as simply as I can.
I got covid, which meant I couldn’t work. As a zero hours worker, this meant I couldn’t get paid. This one and a half week of not working I didn’t think would impact me too much, but I thought I could manage.
My placement was a Night Shift placement. Going into my first year, I didn’t think this would happen, however due to a shortage of nurses I was told that this was the only thing to offer. I spoke to where I work if there were any day shifts available, however there wasn’t. This left me with just working at the care home on weekends, and the occasional day shift cover. I realised I wouldn’t have enough money to cover bills, and the transport to the placement. I’d maxed out my overdraft. I took out a payday loan.
I got myself into a rut with the loan, borrowing £250 and paying back £360. I took out a further two to cover March’s costs, and the interest for the other.
I am now in a position where I cannot cover April/May/June costs, before summer comes and I can increase how often I work. My next placement have been incredibly understanding, and have placed my shifts at times where I can work both my jobs around that in the week, but right now I’m not sure I can cover my rent, never mind my transport to the placement. I know I have got myself in this position, and I have the fallback option of deferring a year and going back to working full time, however I really want that to be a last case scenario as I love my course, and think I’ll be good at my job once qualified.
I need around £700 to be able to get myself back on track and stay in education. If you can help, whether it’s £500, £5, 50p, it would be appreciated more than you know, and enable me to continue with my studies and become a nurse. I will take this down as soon as I’m out this situation, and as said before I’m willing to respond to any emails if there’s concern this isn’t real. I never thought I’d be in this position, but if there’s someone who can help know you’ll be allowing me to continue with my studies and keep me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a mental health nurse. I will also send a donation to a charity of your choice once my finances are more in order later in the year.
Thankyou for reading, my PayPal is:
paypal.me/THOMASWALSH813