In August 2015 after 13 years of running a business, and years of recession, we had to close and file for a partnership bankruptcy. After 12 months of applying for jobs and getting nowhere, my husband reluctantly decided he would have to start up again from home. In the intervening time there was a debt building up on the mortgage, as we couldn't afford the full payments. My husband wasn't entitled to claim job seekers allowance, so therefore we couldn't get any help with the mortgage payments either.
To their credit the mortgage company have been as helpful as they can, but finally had to proceed with repossession proceedings. Sometime within the next 2 months we will be made homeless. Private renting is a difficult option because of the bankruptcy, and we would need somewhere that will accept pets, so council housing seems the most likely option, but as there is a lack of housing in this country we will probably find it very difficult to get housing in the area we are in now. We have 2 children, the oldest has Asperger's, and we would very much like to try and keep him in the school he is happy at and is settled in. Moving house would be a big thing for him, but faced with the possibility of having to move school or possibly having to re-home the dog he loves would be heartbreaking for him.
After considering all our options and coming to a dead end at every turn, we decided to try this avenue as a last resort. The money would be used to pay off the debt that has accrued and to help us towards the mortgage payments for the first few months, whilst the new business is getting established and he can afford to pay himself a wage.
It has been a difficult 15 months for all of us, and we would just like to minimise the disruption for the sake of the children, so now we rely on the kindness of the wider public for any help that you feel you can give us no matter how big or small it will all be appreciated, and have our heartfelt thanks.