A mother was brutally targeted after sharing the confusing aftermath of “COVID and a birthday” at her council home.
Nicole Austin from the UK used TikTok to show the reality of what it can be like to live in a cramped two-bedroom council house with four children.
The mother of four previously explained that mental health issues have hindered the organization’s maintenance.
Despite bravely opening up about her struggles, the “relatable” mom recently faced criticism after sharing a small glimpse into the messy state of the family home.
The video now viral saw the dark-haired beauty admit that her council property “has been so neglected again”, before showing what the rooms looked like.
While filming at their home, Nicole added that she was already prepared “for the hateful comments,” including threats to contact “social services.”
In addition to piles of dirty clothes spread across the floor, there were also bags and some toys on the stairs.
Meanwhile, the family bathroom had dirt and blue stains on some furniture, as well as an upside-down laundry basket.
One of the rooms, where there was also a white crib, had dozens of clothes spread out, accompanied by plastic hangers on the floor.
The bed, she showed in the video, wasn’t made — and it didn’t look much better in the kids’ room, which had a white comforter on the gray rug.
“This is the result of having a sleepover with a bunch of kids and then all of us having COVID,” said Nicole, who has been called a “benefit fundraiser.”
”We really struggled to stay in control of the mess.”
Nicole, who shares the house with her partner Sam, added that the family were looking to renovate the house “and get lots of storage”.
However, due to “low income”, they find this a challenge.
”We are currently on Universal Credit. My husband works full time, but with the cost of living crisis, the money doesn’t go very far.”
Originally, this was the main reason why the mom joined TikTok, where she hoped viewers’ engagement would essentially give them “some money” to renovate the house a bit.
While they have “made a lot of progress since then,” there have been “some setbacks,” including Nicole’s “panic disorder, anxiety, and more.”
”I started Sertraline [a type of antidepressant] three weeks ago and the side effects were real – and then we were hit with COVID too.
How can I get a council house?
To apply for a council home, you need to complete and submit an application to the local authority.
To find your local authority, simply use the Government’s advice finder tool on their website.
Once you have access to your local council website, it should offer guidance on how to complete your application.
After signing up, you will likely have to join a waiting list.
Please note that even if you are placed on a waiting list, this does not guarantee you a council house offer.
Your council should also advise you on how to stay in your current home and resolve any problems you may have, such as problems with a private landlord or mortgage.
Are you eligible for apply for social housing if you are a British citizen living in the UK, as long as you have not lived abroad recently.
Each council has its own local rules about who qualifies to be on the housing register for their area, but these are based on a “points” or “band” system.
For example, you’re likely to receive a housing offer first if:
- are homeless
- live in cramped conditions
- have a medical condition made worse by your current home
- are trying to escape domestic violence
Once you’re at the top of the council’s waiting list, they will contact you when a property becomes available.
Some councils allow people to apply at 18, while others allow you to apply even earlier, at 16.
EU workers and their families and refugees may also be eligible.
A council house is achieved through a points system, so depending on your housing needs you may be considered low priority.
The council will contact you about any available properties once you are high enough on the waiting list.
There is no limit to how long you can expect to be on the waiting list.
This, she said, left the family “back to square one” after all the progress they had made.
“Downstairs, we maintained control – but up there it feels like a bomb fell,” said the mother of four who took responsibility and promised to sort out the mess.
She continued in the caption: ”But let’s be honest, it happens and sometimes we have to prioritize other things.”
There really is no excuse for this
CriticalTikTok
Since being posted on the platform, the clip has gone viral, earning the mother an impressive 1.4 million views – and several negative comments.
One said: “I’ll be honest, I was like this for over a week.”
Another commented: “I could never sleep knowing my house is so messy.”
Someone advised: ”There really is no excuse for this, tidying up like you do daily will make your life so much easier!”
“You don’t need financial help to keep it clean,” wrote a fourth.
”Just stay on top of things. Money doesn’t bring happiness, memories do.
After being criticized for the mess and people suggesting they get rid of some clothes, Nicole explained that it wasn’t that easy.
”I have a child who wears several clothes daily, 3 other children under 8 years old and then 2 adults. There are many clothes.
Fortunately, there were also those who were more understanding of her situation and encouraged others to be kinder.
One person responded to critics, writing, “All the haters should imagine having 4 kids in a small space.
”Of course there will be a mess! Not everyone can be a clean freak.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story