Hello Reader,

My name is Joanna Durrant. I am a 29 year old single mother of 4 beautiful girls. I have one 6 year old, a 3 year old and twin 2 year olds.

Last year, I found out my husband (soon to be ex) was having an affair. This blew my world apart! Not only had my husband left me, but I now had no home for me and my children, no where for my belongings to go, and 4 children who depend on me not knowing what was happening.

I moved down to Canvey Island where my parents live to stay in their house. I did this as I needed the emotional support that family offer, to help me and my babies get through this horrible ordeal. Whilst I hoped the council would be able to assist me in finding a property to live in, I was mistaken.

I was put up in a B&B for 5 months whilst bidding for houses through the council's system. After 5 months, I received news that the council would no longer help me, and that my housing benefit was being cut, meaning that I could not afford to live in the B&B anymore.

I spoke with Clayton council, who I had been registered with for near 7 years previously, and they agreed that once I was made homeless from Castle Point's B&B, they would take me in one of their own and help me find a property.

So I took my daughter out of school, and my other 3 from nursery and made the journey back to Clacton again, back to where it all began.

I found a house, however due to my husband leaving me in major debt, and me not having a guarantor, I need to ensure I pay a deposit and month upfront which the council will not help me with.

This is why I need your help. I have just been given a lifeline by a landlord to move into a property, however I have no furniture or household items to put it in.

If you have anything that you can help me with towards my goal, so I can try and start a fresh life, I would be so appreciative of that. If not, I thank you for taking the time to read my story, and wish you all the best.

Joanna xxx