Hello everyone.
I'm new to this but I've got nothing to lose and possibly something to gain with your help. I don't have a compelling sob story to tell. My story is a simple one.

I recently lost my job as a carer 2 weeks ago. My employment was terminated because I dared to raise a health & safety issue.
I am fighting this but I am now desperately looking for another job. I loved caring for my elderly clients and I miss them.

I loved my job and was really happy, especially after a dreadful relationship break up after almost 12 years together, and then sinking into a dark and terrible depression for 2 years when I left London to live in the house I bought in Devon prior to the relationship ending. My ex-partner stole all the money I had and left me with absolutely nothing. The house is not finished and I still have no bathroom. I have very kind neighbours who allow me to shower in theirs, and who have always shown me great kindness and generousity. It was without any doubt, the worst 2 years of my life and on one particular evening I almost ended the pain and suffering.....but I didn't go through with it. I am a survivor and I don't want to go back to that dark place ever again. Despite putting a lot of weight on through my depression, I made myself go out and talk to people, and I ended up getting the care job I loved together with a small company car, which I no longer have.

I am now desperately trying to find another job but the biggest problem I have is where I live. Deep in the Devon country side, in a small village and the only bus to serve our village only runs to Exeter and back. The last bus back from Exeter is at 18:45! So this limits me considerably, especially if I want a job where I can do lots of extra hours. If you miss the bus you're stuck!

So, I am hoping to raise enough money to buy a small and reliable second hand car so that I can drive wherever I need to go for a job. ANY JOB. I have not signed on for benefits as I cannot bring myself to do so just now. It is not how I was raised. I have worked all my life and now at the age of 54, the thought of having to sign on is shameful to me. My Father raised me to work and not expect hand outs from the Government but unless I find a job quickly I will have to relent eventually to survive. I have no family to turn to for help. Its just me and my little pup.

I have a job interview tomorrow morning and a friend has very kindly offered to drive there and back. I am also trying to get interviews in 2 neighbouring villages but neither of these are served by buses. So if I'm lucky enough to secure a job I then have to overcome the problem of how to get to the job lol.

I don't want to slip back into that cold, black hole of depression. I cannot because to perfectly frank, I wouldn't survive it a second time. That's why I am trying everything I can to enable and to empower myself, and that also means sharing my story and throwing myself on your compassion and kindness.

If you think you could help me in any way I would consider myself extremely fortunate, and deeply grateful for your generousity. Thank you for taking time to read my story.